Those of us who are doing business online know that whether youre selling diets or a business in a box, youre really selling information. Most internet users could go down to the local Walmart or Albertsons and get the necessities of life without ever turning on their computer.

But the successful internet marketing sites are selling something local markets dont; and thats information. Oh sure the average consumer can ask a store clerk or ask a neighbor; but many of us dont know our neighbors, were not sure that clerk really knows the real scoop and who has time to do research at your local library?

So we go to the internet and find all the information we could possibly need at our fingertips. Thats the reasons this is called the Information Age; because at the touch of a button our insatiable need for information can be satisfied.

If you look at those that make it big C the super affiliates and super marketers C youll find they sell information. As someone pointed out recently, even Bill Gates (or maybe especially) sells information. He sells software; something we all use in our very own computers.

When my computer is on the fritz or my internet connection is down its as bad as when the electricity is off. I instinctively reach for that light switch even when theres no power. If Im cut off from the internet C there is always something I need to know (usually several things) and Ill instinctively head for the computer to get the information C only to remember its down.

And Im not alone. More and more the internet is where everyone turns for information. Its second nature to us now. Thats what people do on the internet - they gather information. And thats what the search engines want to provide for their searchers. Sites full of information. So the savvy marketer will provide just that.

Whether your niche is that diet or business, you know the first thing potential customers want is information. If youre not providing information first, youre not providing what those on-line are looking for. You want them at your site, reading your information and then when they make up their mind, theyll buy your product.

But what sort of information are your potential customers looking for? Thats easy enough to find out; and its free. You can go to newsgroups and forums where your customers hang out. Ask questions or maybe even answer a few. Interact and find out what theyre searching for.

Then provide that information. Research the topic and compile what you learn so you are the go to person for that topic. And why should these intrepid internet information gatherers come to you, rather than the countless others out there who have similar information? Because youre going to give them the better value. If they buy your information C your eBook C or your report, youll give them additional valuable information. They may be able to get a comparable product from someone else, but they wont be able to get the additional info without buying from you.

Its all about information. In order to be a success you certainly need to know what youre selling C and what were selling online is information.