Website and Free Publicity

by Stanley Dumanig

People pay hundreds of thousands, if not millions, just to be “advertised” in TV. Since I have started this site/blog about 4 months ago, I was already invited to two big speaking engagements of which sponsored by well-known companies. Also, I had an invitation for a TV interview on one of Philippine’s top TV station to talk about internet marketing. Hmmm… I’ll be in TV for free? That’s a great thing for me and my business! Unfortunately, none of those ever came to past. Why? Geographic location and time were the reason. All of those invitations came from Manila but I’m based in Davao City which means a lot of money and TIME for travel, lodging, etc. It will not be a wise decision for me and the inviting party if we’ll proceed. I’m curious though on who they invited to speak and if their invited guest really delivered good stuff.

Anyway, here are the lessons we can learn from this experience:

1. Websites, if properly utilized, can give you “free” publicity. Publicity means more exposure and credibility, thus, more customers! There are about 14 million internet users in the Philippines and the media has its eyes on the internet for resources. If you are delivering REAL content on your website and have impressed people with your content, all of them will have their eyes on YOU and everything you promote on your website. Therefore, get YOUR website NOW!

2. People are trusting the internet as a source of information.

3. Websites can be used to establish your expertise in the field.

4. Your book is important. If my book were already published people will still perceived me as an expert in the internet marketing field even if I’m not there or if they have somebody else talk about the subject. It should have been a reference to their discussion. The book should have spoken in behalf of me. The book should have done the promotion for my business.

Note: My book is on the works right now and it will be published soon!

Though geographic location was one of the problem, this won’t be a problem in the near future as technology upgrades so fast that you don’t need to travel but a simple video conference will do. Actually, video conference is already possible in the Philippines but internet connectivity is still relatively slow, thus, video quality is not so good.

I got a dilemma on staying in Davao or transferring to Manila. Time will tell but I’ll let the “inner man” decide. As of the moment, I don’t have enough reason yet to migrate to Manila and I love Davao City so much.

Cheers and God bless you!