How do you enjoy Internet marketing benefits?  I am going to use an analogy comparing Internet marketing to exercising to help answer this question.   

Here is a common scenario first: You have built a website, but you are not getting the qualified visitors needed to see your return on investment.  You come back to your website development company and ask, "Why am I not seeing any internet marketing benefits from my site?" 

This brings me to my analogy of internet marketing strategies and exercising.  You know that both of them work.  If you exercise regularly with a good mix of cardio and weight training at least 4 days a week for 30-45 minutes each day while maintaining a decent diet - you are going to see results.  Just like if you have a sound web business strategy consisting of frequent website updates, email marketing, blogging, a mix of social media and marketing through PPC - you are going to see results.  But only if you execute.

You can have a personal trainer and the best workout plan in the world, but if you only show up one day a week you are not going to see the results.  The same is true for Internet marketing and web based strategies.  You can hire the best company in the world, have a solid plan, but if you do not execute you are never going to see the internet marketing benefits.  

Let me break this down to 3 key points:

You MUST Be Ready to Take the Leap
It can be intimidating if you have never logged into Facebook, have never updated a website and are just now finding out about Twitter.  Remember, it is okay to be overwhelmed at first.  But just like walking into a gym for the first time and seeing everyone else that has been going there for years - you have to get over it and be ready to take the LEAP.  Intimidation and resistance will get you nowhere.

You MUST Be Ready to Make the Commitment
Internet marketing is not easy.  It requires a small change in lifesyle.  Challenge yourself to find 30 minutes a day to dedicate to your web based strategy.  Make a commitment and stick to it.  Results are not going to come in a day, a week, or even a month.  Just like exercising, it may take several months before you start noticing positive changes.  When you do that is your signal to go harder, not let up.

You MUST Be Willing to Give your Internet Marketing Partner Control
Do not try to do everything on your own.  Find a qualified Internet marketing partner and give them some control.  If they make recommendations - listen.  If they develop a web based strategy - follow it and execute.  Remember you are hiring this company for a reason.  Just like a personal trainer, if you do not listen and stick to the schedule you are not going to see the results. 

I hope that by comparing internet marketing to exercising I was able to help illustrate some useful everyday examples that, when followed, will have you enjoying internet marketing benefits for many years to come!