Free internet marketing is becoming a fast popular tool to market various kinds of products or services online. Such type of marketing through the internet is also known as internet advertising, web marketing, e-marketing or online marketing. Numerous internet users are still ignorant about the potential of internet marketing. Advances in technology related to the internet have brought many special benefits to marketing. A lower cost for the distribution of information to a wide global audience is one such advantage.

There are more than a billion users of the internet spread across the world. This number represents a large consumer base or marketplace. Such buying or selling of goods or services online is called e-commerce. Other advantages resulting in an increase in the number of people opting for online shopping are competitive prices, easier comparison of prices of similar products, wider range of products, and the comfort of shopping from home and having products delivered to wherever one chooses.

The internet has both creative as well as technical aspects which are integrated by internet marketing techniques. These aspects include design, development, advertising and sales. In order to be effective, internet marketing requires a well planned strategy that integrates a particular company's business model and sales goals with the appearance and function of its website. This enables the company to focus on its target market by way of proper advertising type, media and design.

Free internet marketing and the quantum of revenue created depends on a proper identification of the target end user group. It starts with identifying who the potential customer is and what is their requirement. It is essential to know their problems and desires. The seller should put oneself in their place and try to find out what would make them feel better. Therefore before embarking on an internet marketing venture, it is advisable to research the target market interested in free internet marketing.

After identification of the target consumer base, the next step is to become aware of the competition. The activities of competitors related to the products and the strategies adopted by them to promote their sales online should be carefully evaluated. Their weaknesses with regard to the quality of products sold and guarantees, if any, are to be sought out. Competitors can be of various types. They are: The typical business houses and retail stores which have created online outlets.

Online service companies which offer services ranging from travel, dating and banking services online. Internet marketing has also spawned a special group of pioneers who have devised ingenious techniques of online marketing including article marketing, pay-per-click ads, mini-sites etc. Affiliate marketing is one of the least understood but most profitable forms of internet marketing. Through such programs it is possible for an online marketer to join an affiliate program and promote it products or services on the internet.

Free internet marketing does not have a single effective strategy for internet marketing. The individual situation determines the success and effectiveness of any internet marketing plan. As internet marketing becomes more popular and successful, it would become the choice as a full-fledged career, offering the freedom rarely seen in other professions.