If you need a few lessons on how to win on the web, look no further than our Presidential Candidate, Senator Barack Obama. Business Owners, take notice. Senator Obama’s web site engages every aspect of online marketing and establishes a work-in-motion for tools, options and solutions for promoting your business online.

So, What did he do?

He Branded…
Wherever you see that red, white and blue “o”, you know something about Obama isn’t far away. By creating a brand, people recognize you or your product before they read any further. Branding yourself isn’t hard. It might cost a few hundred dollars for a reputable artist to develop a logo, then all you have to do is put it on everything you own, or do online.

He Let Us Peek into HIS world…
In the Learn section of his web site, Obama gives you a peek into his life both business and personal. While I don’t advocate that all web business owners start plastering pictures of their families and kids all over their page, it is definitely a good idea to give some history about yourself with a bio and a professional phot, and at least give the history of your business. This is a formidable tactic because it helps your readers to connect with you and get to know you or your business on a different level.

He Told Us What to Do…
There’s nothing worse than going to a web site, and not knowing what you’re supposed to do there. A direct, and clear call to action is of the utmost importance. On the Obama site, there are icons and imagery to let us know where to go for different things, and to direct us to take action. If your visitors don’t understand what you want them to do, chances are they won’t do anything – or won’t do what you want them to do.

He Showed Us Videos…
Video is one of the best ways to capture the attention of your viewers. It’s the next best thing to “being there”, and it allows the site visitor to experience the action on their own terms and time. For some, the concept of video is still a bit scary, so after you get out of your own way you’ll discover that video is one of the fastest ways to get a message to the masses.

He Gave Us Free Stuff…
At WBO, we often encourage the concept of “Give to Get”. In the online world, people are used to getting something for free. Even if it’s something simple, like logos, wallpapers, linking instructions, banners, and photos. What’s in it for you? Free promotion! People will be less likely to promote you on their sites if you don’t give them the tools to do it, so make it easy for people to want to promote you.

He Gave Us Stuff to Buy…
You can’t expect to make millions in a day with T-Shirts, caps, totes and mugs, but you can certainly offer them anyway in case someone wants to buy them. In the Obama Store, you can buy just about anything you’d want to help support his campaign. Translating this to a business effort, you could use www.cafepress.com, www.spreadshirt.com, or www.zazzle.com – They do all the work. You collect a check.

He Blogged…
Blogging is not dead. In fact, more people in the business world are starting to understand the benefits of blogging, and learning how to use it to keep customers aprised of the goings-on in the company. Blogging is not hard to do. You can sign up a free account at www.wordpress.com or www.blogspot.com and write until your fingers beg for mercy. A no-cost option to get noticed, to say the least, and an opportunity to say your peace while readers engage at their leisure.

He Jumped into the Social Networks…
Compared to his opponents six social networking outlets, Barack Obama’s team harnessed the power of six-teen. For the average business owner, this might prove a bit unmanageable, but if you have a team of people (or at least one other person)who can handle your online communications for social networking, you too can reach out to the virtual public via these online communities.

Facebook
MySpace
YouTube
Flickr
Digg
Twitter
Eventful
LinkedIn
BlackPlanet
Faithbase
Glee
Eons
Migente
MyBatanga
AsianAve
DNC PartyBuilder

He Marketed via Cell Phones…
As marketing via cell phones and text messaging is becoming more popular, the Obama camp has already taken the bull by the horns with Obama Mobile, giving you access to “periodic updates from the campaign as well as advance notice about local Obama events and important updates about Barack’s public appearances”.

In a nutshell, Obama has the right idea when it comes to web marketing. Super-Kudos to his Tech Team.
You can evidence the Obama-style marketing tactics at www.barackobama.com