In a scenario that has already been revolutionized by the Internet, Web 2.0 is changing all the dynamics. New ideas, new techniques and new tools'it's a completely new way of thinking and doing business. By exploiting these new techniques and tools and putting them to good use, you can create more marketing buzz and increase your profits exponentially.



Though Web 2.0 marketing tools are readily and easily available, the key to your business success is knowing how and when to use them. It is important that you only start utilizing Web 2.0 marketing tools if and when you are prepared to support the Web 2.0 technology on a consistent basis. More importantly, though, you need the content that it will require to succeed.

Here are three popular Web 2.0 marketing tools and a few tips to help you decide how and when to deploy them:

Blogging

Blogs have become an indispensable online marketing tool for marketers looking for site expansion, search engine optimization, cross-linking and generally increasing their internet presence.

For startups, blogs provide the perfect platform for reaching out to target audiences and engaging them in an interactive online communication. However, before launching your own blog, it is important to remember that your audience will expect your blog to change often and offer something new when it does change.

Fresh content is one of the few features that will keep them coming back for more. Publishing one post every couple of months will not generate the traffic you need for your business. If you decide to put up a blog, you need to stay committed to updating it regularly. Equally important, keep in mind a blog is a conversation. Your users will post comments, which you are obligated to reply to.

Once you've decided to use blogging as a marketing tool, using a hosted blogging service is the easiest way to set it up. Some of the more popular hosted blogging services include WordPress, Blogger, LiveJournal and TypePad.

Podcasting

Podcasting, a media file that is distributed over the internet to be view and/or heard on an MP3 device, is another effective Web 2.0 marketing tool. However, for podcasts to be successful, they need to be produced and updated on a regular basis in order to keep customer interest alive. It is not wise to use your podcast for marketing until you are ready to commit to contributing frequent, informative, and helpful information.

User-generated ratings and content

Whether it's being able to generate their own content on your web site, post comments to articles on your website or rate content in the customer help section; customers are reacting favorably to investing time in communicating with you.

While it's a great way of reaching out to your customers and getting feedback, don't launch it until you are ready to respond to user-generated content directly. In Web 2.0 marketing, user-generated content is the deciding factor and it can either make or break your business.