Today’s post will be brief, but I just wanted to take a moment to summarise and highlight the message from one of the most respected internet marketing pioneers – Frank Kern.

Frank gets internet marketing. He knows how to build a rapport with his audience and speak with them on a personal level (as he teaches – it’s all about core influence).  He’s conquered many product launches and had plenty of million dollar paydays.

In his latest video (titled “State Of The Internet Address”), he compares the last 10 years of Internet marketing, and contrasts this to the next 10 years to come.  There are many obvious changes…..

(My opinion) I believe there has been a negative connotation to the word “Internet marketer”. Perhaps identified as a bit ruthless, greedy, money hungry (just out for a quick buck), promoting their poor quality products with over-hyped sales letters. Sure, there is obviously people out there who do exactly that, but overall the Internet marketing industry is starting to grow up. Marketers are having to be more accountable. There is a requirement to produce higher quality content and ensure their customers are happy – because if they aren’t, word can travel fast.

With the introduction of the new legislation from the FTC, marketers must now disclose the average results from their products. I believe it’s going to overall bring about an increased level of honesty in the market.

Frank points out that online marketing is changing, and I believe – thankfully it’s changing for the better. The following two points really hit home for me.

Competitors have to cease becoming competitors.

It’s becoming a numbers game, flying solo doesn’t work. Convert your competitors into allies and form a mastermind group.  Give your competitors value, work on projects together and create win:win opportunities for one another. Isn’t it exciting to think what people can achieve when they work together?

Give away things that make your audience happy.

Sell them things that make them happier.

It totally makes sense! Just think about the last time you bought an information product online… For me it was through Twitter (they found me!). I followed this person, checked out their website, downloaded their free podcasts and when they finally announced they had a product to sell, (and it suited my price range) – I made a purchase. More importantly, I didn’t feel like I was bombarded with one sales pitch after another and I felt like I had built a rapport with this person.  I think this is the key to marketing online.

So hopefully an increased level of social interaction between customers and marketers will weed out the bad eggs and help the golden one’s shine even further.

What do you think?

Questions and comments are always welcome.