In this issue, you will find:

1. Integrating the Internet into Traditional Marketing Models
2. Ad Banners: who, where, when, how and why
3. GRAPHICS - how do they get it to look like that?
4. How do I get my site listed?
5. Geez, I never thought of that!

Effective April 1, 1998, registering a new domain name will cost $70 (instead of $100) for two years of registration service and annual renewals will be $35 (instead of $50). The complete press release is available at http://rs.internic.net/announcements/pr0316.html.

1. Integrating the Internet into Traditional Marketing Models

   If the Web is part of your company's marketing future, or if you need some help with your Internet Marketing plan, the following article is a must-read:

   ~ 10 Tips for Selling on the Internet and the World-Wide Web
   http://global-homebiz.com/biztips-bredenberg.html

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2. Ad Banners: who, where, when, how and why

   Before you spend the money, understand the medium and it's effectiveness.

   ~ It Takes A Village: From Utopia Comes A New Way of Selling
   http://www.clickz.com/archives/010698.html
   part 1 of 2

   ~ Banner Secrets: How to Run a Successful Campaign
   http://www.clickz.com/archives/011398.html
   part 2 of 2

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3. GRAPHICS - how do they get it to look like that?

   Newsgroups are a great way to communicate with users around the world and are a valuable resource when looking for information. The following newsgroups focus on creating graphics for the Internet, with discussions ranging from application how-tos to "Where can I find information on..."

   ~ alt.graphics
   ~ alt.design.graphics
   ~ comp.graphics.misc

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4. How do I get my site listed?

   Hot Links - finding your niche

   The Internet is awash with Web sites just like yours. Sites that contain similar content, similar products, and similar information. Many of these sites contain "Hot Links" pages listing other sites on the Web that are available to interested visitors. As an Internet marketer, it is your job to look for these sites and try to get your site listed within these pages.

   Even if the site is a direct competitor, there are mutual benefits to listing your site within their pages:

   • Benefit to you: your listing will be seen by a targeted audience, users interested in your content, products or information

   • Benefit to the competitor: users will consider the site a valid source for information and will return to see any new listings that may have been added

   Some sites may charge a fee per listing, require a reciprocal link, or have other restrictions so read the fine print and understand your obligations before sending a request for a listing.

   To find content-similar sites, you will need to explore various search engines and directories, using industry- related keywords. If one set of keywords does not return the results you were expecting, try either broader or more specific terms to return the listings most appropriate for your needs.

   Try the below utilities first, and follow any links that seem relevant. One Hot Links page often leads to another, so explore different trails as you come across them.

   ~ Yahoo http://www.yahoo.com/
   ~ Alta Vista http://altavista.digital.com/
   ~ HotBot http://www.hotbot.com/

   Sites come and go on the Internet, so it is important to make site searching a regular part of your marketing strategy. Not only do these listings broaden your reach and gain potential exposure for your sales message, but they also allow you to keep an eye on the competition and monitor what other sites are doing, or not doing, to attract attention.

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5. Geez, I never thought of that!

   Looking for innovative ways to attract users to your site? What about this:

   Aetna U.S. Healthcare and Johns Hopkins University and Health System, recently announced the launch of its newly re- designed consumer Web site located at http://www.intelihealth.com

   Key content areas and features on the InteliHealth site include:

   • Daily health news feeds from United Press International, Reuters Health Information, Johns Hopkins University and Health System, Medical Tribune, Associated Press, the National Institutes of Health and others

   • An extensive database featuring reports from the National Health Council, the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Pharmacopoeia, Medline and MDX

   • A comprehensive Johns Hopkins health library and encyclopedia White Papers prepared by leading experts and physicians at Johns Hopkins

   • An "Ask-the-Doc" feature where Johns Hopkins doctors provide answers to visitors' questions about health issues and concerns

   • Daily pollen and air pollution maps that chart domestic conditions

   • A free daily e-mail newsletter that informs registered users of breaking health news, the latest Johns Hopkins studies and findings and commentaries on health news from around the world

   • A Healthy Home Online Store, providing secure online ordering capabilities

   While the InteliHealth site was developed using the vast resources of two large organizations, small firms can offer similar trade-specific services for their own success on the Web.

   Aetna U.S. Healthcare and Johns Hopkins University and Health System have effectively employed the Internet as a valid marketing tool by updating the InteliHealth site frequently with industry-specific news articles and commentary, offering an Ask-the Expert discussion forum to establish the founder as a leader in the industry, providing free and reliable information of interest to the target audience, and communicating with prospects often through a voluntary, private e-mail newsletter.

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