Inbound Marketing is a marketing concept that uses the three most powerful tools of Internet marketing. These tools are 1) the creation and optimization (for search engines) of valuable content either in words, pictures, audio or video 2) sharing of this content through social media sites (such as blogs, Twitter, flickr, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn) where it is read, discussed and spread virally, and 3) measurements of the results to determine ROI. The theory is, having used all three tools correctly, customers will be drawn to you; hence the term “inbound marketing”.

Inbound Marketing is growing and growing fast. Why? because it is replacing the traditional interruption methods of marketing ("outbound" or "push") with “pull” or "inbound" marketing activities that causes an audience to turn its attention to your marketing focal point. Inbound marketing involves inviting potential customers to join you in a conversation in contrast to you sending them unsolicited, unwanted materials to read, view or listen to. Relationships build as the conversation grows. As people recognize your expertise they will seek you out for your advice, products and services. The driving factor why Inbound marketing is growing so fast is that leaders in this area have proven that it can be done at far less cost and with a much higher return. Publishing relevant content on the Internet is now a marketing discipline that augments and in many circles replaces the traditional role of advertising.

I first became aware of the Inbound Marketing concept through my work as a web developer for a medical device company. I have since connected with Hubspot and have been using their software and training since November of 2008. I have attended many, many webinars, read hundreds of blogs, participated in discussion groups, read most of the books on social media sites and SMM, developed my own profiles and followers on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and am now attempting to start this blog. I've enjoyed this journey so far and if nothing else I have gained many new relationships with fellow Inbound Marketers. In the months to come I will be sharing my knowledge and experience in Inbound Marketing and web development.