In small print at the bottom of Google's homepage is a huge number-currently over four billion.  This number represents all of the webpages that Google has cataloged in order to bring you results when you search the web.  So how do you get your single website noticed in such a crowd?  If you are a newcomer to Internet marketing, there are several important factors you must consider in order to successfully bring your product or service to the global marketplace.

Focus on a Market

Because your site can't be everything to everyone, make sure that you concentrate on a well-defined niche in the marketplace.  The most successful Internet marketers learn about and then target a specific pocket within a larger market.  For example, instead of trying to dominate sales in a large category like pet owners , you could focus on a specific slice of that market, such as dog owners .  Find out exactly what products, services and information dog owners want, and then offer them on your site, but with a twist.

Offer Something New

Competition among Internet marketers is fierce.  What can separate your wares from all the others?  Developing a unique selling proposition is key to success.  You need to use your differences to sell yourself to customers so they don't want to go anywhere else.  A real estate professional's website, for example, would attract attention if the realtor offered to charge home sellers a flexible, task-based commission instead of a fixed percentage of their home sale.  Such an unusual arrangement is bound to bring in customers who are frustrated with the status quo.  If your site offers something that your competitors don't, customers will find you.  This could be a lower-cost product or service, superior quality and guarantees, unusual incentives or special knowledge that no one else offers.

Develop a Plan

A well thought-out business plan is a major component for success in any business, including online businesses.  First, figure out how you are going to make money.  Decide what you want your business to look like in five years, estimate the time and money this will require then break these down into reasonable, measurable goals.  You'll need to include time and money for research and testing of your marketing ideas, and you'll want to stay flexible-you might find your main profit doesn't come from the sale of widgets on your site as you anticipated, but from the advertisers who what to rent space on your homepage.  If such a task is new to you, learn from others who have been there.  Talk to entrepreneurs and web marketers to learn the art of business planning.

Spend Wisely

For those that want to market a product or service, the beauty of the Internet is custom, programmable advertising.  Telemarketers, billboards and junk mail are despised by consumers because most of these methods don't find the right target at the right time.  But an ad for exercise equipment on a body building site is to be expected, even welcome.  Figure out exactly who your target market includes, learn were they land when they surf the web and target your advertising to them.  A web hosting service that offers a marketing plan can be a tremendous asset when it comes to pinpointing potential customers, and many web hosts will also help you with the essential tools for marketing, including a shopping cart.  But be aware that web advertising can add up fast.  Take advantage of targeted ads but keep on top of what you spend so that you stay within your planned budget.

Model Success

Do some research to find out who your competitors are and how they thrive.  Occasionally, purchase your competitors' products to check out their quality, customer service, and to get an inside look at their website sales process.  Many would-be customers ditch full shopping carts at the door because the buying process is confusing or frightening.  Make sure yours isn't.  A website button labeled "Continue" might seem clear to you but vague to a customer wondering what credit card types you accept before committing to a purchase.  Confusion is a great excuse to exit.  Be sure that your selling process is seamless, and your customers will stick around.