Why do so many people and businesses fail at utilizing the internet to increase their bottom line? While many have the drive, diligence, and determination, most fail because they lack the knowledge and direction to make their internet marketing campaigns profitable.

In order to have a successful marketing campaign online, you must understand how to properly use the right tools to drive traffic to your website. Without understanding the basics of driving targeted traffic (whether through search engine optimization and/or pay per click campaigns), you will find yourself in a vicious cycle of failure through the following of bad advice. Getting targeted traffic to your website can be a troublesome activity, especially if you are targeting a highly competitive market where rivals will adjust their strategy to counter your advancements. The immensity of the web as well as the internet marketing world is the reason for the strong competition between fellow marketers, each of whom has their very own great product/website to promote. With so much competition, what makes a website stand out? (I'm glad you asked that question...)

The following are seven ways that you can make your campaigns stand out to your targeted audience:

1. On Page Search Engine Optimization--Is the most important thing that new website owners FORGET to do, or do incorrectly. First you must create unique, relevant content for your website (Sounds simple, but many people, especially small businesses, have trouble properly conveying the products and services they provide). Next, you need to make sure that the title tags, meta description, and meta keywords are optimized for the content on the webpage. If you have no idea what I am talking about, your first step should be to find an affordable search engine optimization agency or seo specialist to properly build and optimize your website!

Overtime, the search engines will "pick up" your website content and it will show up in relevant search results. Since 85% of all online purchases are based from research via the search engines, optimizing your web content should be your first priority. Additionally, having website content optimized so people can find you is important in building recognition links (which are like endorsements on the web).

2. Directory Submissions--Submit your website to online business directories. At a minimum, you should submit your website to Google Local, Bing Local, Yahoo! Local, and the YellowPages. Next, search for business directories that are relevant to your business. For example, if you are a business that provides B2B services, seek out B2B business directories. An easy way to do research is to perform a Google search as follows: "Your search term" + directories

3. Article Writing--Is an excellent way to promote your website and "pre-sell" customers to your products or services. Write articles relevant to your website and submit them to article directories and web 2.0 websites such as EzineArticles, Hubpages, and Squidoo. Simply write the article, and include anchor text links back to your website (Note: Make sure to check with each site about their submission procedures and guidelines).

4. Video Marketing--Create videos for submission to video websites like YouTube. Be very creative! As you know, interesting and unique videos can go viral very quickly. If you don't have alot of time, use a video creation software to convert your articles into video presentations.

5. Create an affiliate program--Many people make a living promoting products and services online. Having an affiliate program amounts to outsourcing your marketing campaign to employees that you don't have to pay until they bring results. If you need help starting an affiliate program, sign up with companies such as Commission Junction, PepperJam Network, and Share-A-Sale to simplify the process.

6. Customer Referral Rewards--The best advertising is still word of mouth. Reward customers who tell their friends about you and in turn purchase your products or services. Even with the advent of internet technology, nothing can beat the benefits of providing good customer service and customers spreading the word about your company. You can help customers spread the word by keeping them informed via emails, newsletters, and special offers.

7. Pay Per Click (PPC)--Sign up for a Google AdWords account and advertise your website based on keywords related to your products or services. I would strongly suggest gaining experience with other traffic building options before you go this route (Trust me, learn from my mistakes).

Whatever you do, know that there is no set method for online success. However, by starting out using proven marketing methods, you greatly increase your chances to be successful.