DEVELOPMENT OF ONLINE MARKETING With the introduction of the Internet, there came many changes to the way a company might carry out a marketing strategy. About ten years ago, we shopped only at local stores in the market place using cash. Now a new world has been opened up to people around the globe through the World Wide Web. We are able to browse the fanciest shops in the world from home, “virtually” that is. The technology of secure transactions on the Web has greatly improved and the rush to buy from online shops has demonstrated a growing consumer acceptance of online marketing. Increasingly, online marketing is no longer just an option. It is a necessity. Online marketing is an electronically-based industry. In short, it refers to the conducting of business through the Internet. It is a way of buying and selling goods and services, and negotiating trade through digital communications. ? Online marketing allows businesses to reach a wider market while cutting costs, saving time and eliminating tons of paperwork. Most online retailers ask the customers to pay with a credit card. Regular buyers are issued electronic or digital signatures which are protected by passwords, enabling them to transact business securely via Internet. Online marketing is still in its early stages, as problems such as how to deal with credit card fraud on the Internet still have to be dealt with. But its future looks rosy. With the development of computer technology, e-commerce will inevitably become a “must” in our everyday lives. There is no doubt e-commerce has come of age.

1. __________ changed the way a company might carry out a marketing strategy over the past 10 years.()

A. The Internet

B. Local stores

C. The consumers

2. What does “virtually” mean in Paragraph One?()

A. In reality.

B. By means of a computer.

C. Safely.

3. Which of the following advantages of online marketing is not mentioned?()

A. Reach a wider market while cutting costs

B. Save time and eliminate paperwork

C. Increasing trust between traders and buyers.

4. What problems are still outstanding in online shopping?()

A. Cutting costs.

B. Credit card fraud on the Internet.

C. Eliminating paperwork.

5. Which is the author’s attitude towards online shopping?()

A. Our shopping was only done at local stores on the high street, using cash.

B. Online marketing refers to the conducting of business through the Internet.

C. Undoubtedly the era of e-commerce has arrived.