Don't do it all: do some things well.

I had a conversation yesterday with a potential client. She was frustrated: she's tried marketing online in the past. In fact, she had worked with a self-proclaimed internet marketing "guru." And, while she receives a decent amount of web traffic, the whole process of marketing on the web has left her dissatisfied. She's overwhelmed.

Here's the thing: many small business owners are doing everything themselves. When you add in online marketing, the to-do list becomes downright daunting. Business owners become frustrated because they feel like they should be doing every single thing possible: Twitter, Facebook, Scribd, Hubpages, Squidoo, LinkedIn, Biznik, MySpace, blogging, email newsletters, commenting on blogs, posting articles to online databases, guest blogging, selling a product, podcasting, etc., etc., etc. Feeling overwhelmed yet?

The truth is that no one can do all this by themselves. Most "gurus" have teams of people working on these things. Sure, they might say they're doing it themselves, but they're not. They've hired out. There are not enough hours in a day!

BUT, I'm not letting you off the hook: you need market online.

You just need a strategy. 

Ask the following questions:

-Do I like writing articles?

-Do I like writing in general (could I post regularly on a blog?)

-Where do my ideal clients hang out: what websites, blogs, articles are they reading?

-Do I enjoy connecting with people face to face?

-How much time do I have to devote to online marketing?

-Is my ideal client even online?

You know your business best. Choose methods of online marketing that work for you and connect you with your ideal client. Only use mediums that you enjoy using: that way it won't feel like work. Research the different methods you can use, but don't feel like you have to use them all.

Choose 1-2 online marketing methods, and do them WELL. You'll be surprised that when you choose a couple of marketing tools and remain committed to them, they'll take you a long way. Plus, limiting the amount of online marketing you get involved with will save your sanity.