Online Advertising on Large Markets: Dos and Don'ts

Are you struggling to figure out where to invest your online advertising budget effectively? Between Google, Facebook, Amazon, and countless other platforms, choosing the right channel and strategy is not easy. This article will help you see the big picture, understand what you "should" and "should not" do, so you don't waste money and effort.

Which Advertising Channel is Suitable?

The three giants dominating the current online advertising market are Google, Facebook, and Amazon. Each platform has its own strengths, and choosing the right one depends on your product and the behavior of your target customers.

• Google: If you offer services or products that people are actively searching for, Google Search is the ideal destination. You reach customers at the moment they have a need.
• Facebook & Instagram: Suitable when you want to build awareness for new products that are not yet widely known. You proactively reach your target audience through their interests and behaviors.
• Amazon: If you sell directly to consumers (B2C), Amazon is an unmissable channel, especially for physical products.

Recommendation: Don't follow the crowd. Understand your customer persona: what they search for, which platforms they use, and whether they are already aware of your product. This is the key to choosing an effective channel.

SEO or PPC: Which is Better?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and PPC (Pay-Per-Click) are both important, but each has a different role.

SEO brings in free organic traffic, but it requires time and effort to build quality content and attract backlinks. This is a long-term strategy that helps you build sustainable credibility.

PPC delivers quick results; you pay to appear at the top of search results pages. It's especially useful when you want to control your budget and target the right audience. However, costs can be high if not optimized.

In reality, a smart strategy is to combine both. By appearing in paid ads and organic results, you can dominate search space and increase conversion opportunities.

Leverage Existing Customers for More Effective Advertising

Do you have a list of past customer emails? That's an invaluable asset. Leverage it by:

• Remarketing: Upload customer data to Google and Facebook to show ads to those same people. For example, on Valentine's Day, you can send ads for new products to existing customers.
• Lookalike / Similar Audiences: Provide your current customer list, and the platform will find people with similar behaviors and demographics. This is an extremely effective way to expand your potential customer base.
• User-generated content (UGC): Encourage customers to create content such as unboxing videos, reviews, and shared experiences. This content increases credibility and improves SEO.

Common Mistakes for Beginners

Many beginners often make the following mistakes, causing their campaigns to fail from the start:

1. Violating Advertising Policies: Google and Facebook have very strict regulations. Accidental violations can lead to account suspension, wasting time and effort.
2. Expecting to "Get Rich Quick": Many people think that a basic website and a few ads will automatically bring in money. In reality, e-commerce requires serious investment in time, content, and strategy.
3. Doing Everything Yourself: Online advertising is a specialized field. Don't hesitate to hire experts or agencies. They have experience and stay updated on trends, helping you save money and achieve better results.

Advice for Beginners

Don't rush to follow every trend. Start with the most suitable channel, build quality content, monitor metrics, and optimize continuously. And most importantly: learn from the mistakes of those who came before you to avoid paying a heavy price.

Have you ever made a mistake while running ads? Please share in the comments below; I believe your story will be helpful to many others!