What Is Internet Communication & Top Strategies for Business

You learned that digital or electronic communication refers to any data, information, words or photos that are sent electronically in order to communicate with one or more people. This includes calls, messages, group chats, emails, social networks and websites. These methods of electronic communication have made our lives much easier and enabled us to communicate with people around the world.

Today we all communicate constantly over the internet with around 5.35 billion internet users, the worldwide web has shrunk the globe and brought people together like nothing else. From social media to VoIP and instant messaging platforms, internet communication can take many different forms.

One of the major advantages of internet communication tools over traditional communication is cost savings. In addition, many free tools make internet communication easier, such as WhatsApp, Skype, Google Meet, and Messenger. Even businesses can communicate with overseas customers at pocket-friendly prices using the internet.

What Is Internet Communication?

Internet communication empowers people to the exchange of data and information over the web. Initially, internet communication was over emails, voice calls and text messages, but later got extended to video calls.

What Are the Advantages of Internet Communication?

From cost savings to higher accessibility, internet communication offers a plethora of benefits. Here are some of the most important advantages of Internet communication.

1. Cost-effective communication

A significant benefit of internet communication is the cost savings. Gone are the days when people had to travel to a location or arrange a physical conference to be able to meet a client or family member. They can do a voice call, leave a message, or meet in a video conference and stay connected all the time without incurring any cost. Electronic communication saves time and money. For example, text SMS is cheaper than the traditional letter. It requires only a few seconds to communicate through electronic media because it supports quick transmission.

Also, traditional telephone lines were attached to a location, device, etc. So, to call from one country to another, or even to another state within a country, they incurred hefty charges. When compared to traditional telephone conversations, internet communication helps individuals and businesses save costs. The world has become a global village and communication around the globe requires only a second.

2. High flexibility

Another notable advantage of internet communication is the greater flexibility. Most internet communication tools have mobile applications that help people engage with clients or personal connections on the go. No matter where you are, you can stay in touch with your loved ones. Moreover, internet communication applications are not tied down to a device or location. You can make/receive calls on mobile, desktop, or browser. So, they are more flexible than the traditional phone lines.

3. More business opportunities

Internet communication allows businesses to easily contact their clients and customers located outside the country. They can expand their business presence to new markets without investing in physical office space. Electronic communication allows the instant exchange of feedback. So communication becomes perfect using electronic media.

4. Efficient group conversations

Communication via the Internet allows team members to connect with each other no matter where they are located. They can engage in group chat, voice, and video conferencing, and this helps establish a transparent line of communication. Internal teams can make quick conversations and this accelerates decision making.

5. Increases business competitiveness

Having a robust digital communication channel helps businesses achieve major cost savings and enhance the speed of decision-making. Businesses can forge an all-around availability for customers, and this helps secure their trust. Due to the advancement of electronic media, business managers can easily control operation across the globe. Video or teleconferencing e-mail and mobile communication are helping managers in this regard.

Internal teams can get on a video call quickly and exchange their thoughts and ideas. This quickens decision-making. Also, with digital tools, businesses can collaborate effortlessly with remote teams. This increases the accessibility of the business and lets them build a diverse talent pool. All these offer an edge to businesses in the competitive landscape.

Different Types of Communication via the Internet

There are different options and tools when it comes to Internet communication. We have listed the most common ones in this section.

1. Instant messaging

All the proceeding brings us to the new kid on the block of internet communications: instant messaging. Or just “messaging” as it’s called now.

• Keep texts short
• Longer texts can be misinterpreted
• Sign a text with your name
• Spell out all words and do not use “texting lingo” or shorthand
• Texts can be saved and can be altered

Instant messaging refers to short messages that are sent in real time over the internet. The messages can include multimedia items, such as pictures, videos and voice recordings.

Instant Messaging (IM) is an online chat technology that allows people to communicate via messages in real-time within an internet-based chat room. When users log into an IM system, their friends are notified of their presence, and they can talk to each other synchronously. In addition, various types of online team chat apps are available in the market.

A time-saving tool, instant messaging allows employees to instantly reach their managers and colleagues working remotely or in other branches. It eliminates the need to place calls immediately when you require some information and simplifies life.

Some popular IM services are AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, and MSN Messenger. Although the features of these service providers are similar, they have their benefits and drawbacks.

ADVANTAGES OF INSTANT MESSAGING

• Messages are free to send
• Messages are received directly after being sent
• You can see if the message has been delivered
• You can see when your message has been read
• You can send a variety of messages; including text messages, pictures, videos, music and web links
• You can create group conversations in order to discuss a specific topic or plan events

Messaging started out on our early mobile phones as text messages, which are not and never were secure. However, today we have a variety of ways we can message each other securely from the Messages app in iOS to Whatsapp to Signal to Slack, etc.

Instant messaging is a popular type of internet communication that allows users to exchange their thoughts and information with others through a text message. As users log in to the instant messaging application or tool, their contacts are notified of the presence. Through online chat technology, they can exchange messages via text synchronously.

WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, etc. are the most popular instant messaging tools. Did you know that WhatsApp has over 2.8 billion active users?

Several tools have emerged to offer one-on-one chat options and group conversation abilities. Such internet-based chat room channels help users exchange information with their team members or personal contacts in a few seconds. Employees can get their doubts clarified quickly. This is a viable alternative to making phone calls whenever they need quick support or information.

2. VoIP phone system

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a popular internet telephony that helps route calls and messages over the internet. They are a cost-effective alternative to traditional phone lines. With VoIP, the voice packets are transmitted using the standardized internet protocol suite, unlike the traditional systems that use PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

Most VoIP providers offer advanced telephony features like call recording, call forwarding, skill-based routing, call queuing, etc., that help businesses streamline high call volumes. Unlike traditional landlines that require physical infrastructure, VoIP systems are hosted over the cloud and do not require upfront investments in infrastructure.

VoIP platforms offer mobile, web, and desktop applications that help employees manage calls and messages on the go. Important benefits of VoIP systems include

• Cheap international calls
• No upfront investment
• Quick deployment
• Highly scalable
• Seamless mobility
• Advanced telephony features
• Custom analytics and reports

VoIP is a type of digital communication that allows the user to speak with one or more users over the internet. This type of communication is very similar to a phone call, with the exception being that it uses your internet connection and, therefore, uses data. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP.

ADVANTAGES OF VOIP

• VoIP is much cheaper than using traditional telecommunication services
• It can help with productivity as you can have face-to-face meetings with colleagues in different cities
• It saves time and money as you can have face-to-face business meetings without having to travel to the client

Internet telephony uses the internet to route telephone calls instead of traditional phone lines. For example, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) sends voice packets using IP instead of PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

As soon as the voice packets reach their destination, it again gets converted into voice data for the receiver.

Users and businesses making calls worldwide can benefit immensely from an internet phone system. They are cost-effective and allow you to make calls from anywhere. Other benefits of internet telephony include:

• Is highly cost-efficient
• Helps offer better customer service
• Offers comprehensive features
• Is highly scalable

3. Email

Email or electronic mail remains one of the most preferred types of Internet communication and has a whopping 4.26 billion users. It is one of the reliable methods to exchange professional messages and files. While instant messaging works best for quick textual communication, emails work for long-form, detailed communication.

• Use a descriptive subject line
• Be courteous
• Reply promptly – but allow yourself time to get over an initial reaction to an angry email
• Remember attachments to an email may contain metadata that can disclose unwanted information to the recipient

Email is one of the first and most popular forms of electronic communication. It allows the user to send and receive files and messages over the internet, and can be used on a wide variety of devices. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of email.

Did you know that the number of active email users will touch 4.6 billion by 2025?

Email or electronic technology is a way of exchanging messages and files. Email communication is extremely fast and reliable. You can send emails any time of the day or year; it is free of cost! This is one of the reasons why email marketing is buzzing in the business world today. You can create emails through software like Microsoft Outlook or Gmail and send them to another person, given that you have the recipient’s email address.

Unlike Instant Messaging, professionals mostly use email to communicate with each other. For example, 62.86% of business professionals prefer email while communicating for official purposes.

Most emails contain a subject line, giving the recipient a glimpse of what they can expect in the email. The biggest advantage of emails is that they allow you to go paperless. Even the documents can be digitized and sent over email to multiple people simultaneously instead of printing and distributing the papers.

ADVANTAGES OF EMAIL

• Email is a free tool.
• Email is quick. Once you have finished composing a message, sending it is as simple as clicking a button. Once it is sent and delivered, it can be read almost immediately.
• Email is simple. It is easy to use, email allows for the easy and quick access of information and contacts.
• Email allows for easy referencing. Messages that have been sent and received can stored, and searched through safely and easily.
• Email is accessible from anywhere – as long as you have an internet connection.
• Email is paperless, and therefore, beneficial for the planet.
• Email allows for mass sending of messages, you can send one particular message to several recipients all at once.
• Email allows for instant access of information and files.

lmost before there was any other way of communicating over the internet, there was E-Mail. It ran over a protocol called Post Office Protocol, or POP. The final version of the protocol is POP3.

If you are creating a personal email ID, you must sign up to Google, Outlook, or Yahoo. Upon verification, you can start using the ID to communicate with your business and personal contacts. You can also create business emails with the domain names attached. Using emails, you can also exchange digital files and attachments securely. This helps establish business teams standardize paperless communication.

Emails have a subject where you can briefly present the context. You must enter the recipient’s email address and enter the details in the main body. Email works best for asynchronous communication as the recipient can take time to consume the message and respond later.

4. Social networking platforms

Social networking platforms have emerged to be one of the popular internet-based communication tools. With 2.9 million monthly users across the world, Facebook remains the most used platform. However, several platforms have come into prominence, and major ones include Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.

• There is no expectation of privacy on the internet
• Change your passwords frequently
• Log off after visiting the page
• Delete your browsing history, saved passwords and cookies regularly
• Do not disparage anyone via social media
• Educate yourself about a site before joining.

Social media channels help users engage with personal connections, businesses, and public figures. Beyond chat and social messages, social media platforms allow for voice and video communication. Businesses also use social media platforms to target their customers appropriately and promote their products efficiently. The marketing campaigns help businesses direct traffic to landing pages and websites.

Last but not least, social media is one of the most popular internet communication methods. While Facebook was and still is the most widely used social channel, numerous platforms now make internet based communication easier than ever.

For example, Twitter makes it easier for customers to talk with brands and public figures. Similarly, TikTok helps to connect with GenZ. Post engaging videos and get some TikTok views to get the content trending. WhatsApp enables users to talk to each other for free via messaging, audio, and video.

Here are some major benefits of using social media for communication through the internet.

• Faster and easier communication with friends and customers.
• Businesses can enhance their brand awareness.
• A great way to redirect traffic to your landing page and website.
• Social media platforms help businesses interact with customers and provide real-time feedback to increase customer loyalty and lifetime value.
• Social media portals help in advertising, promotions, and market research.

5. Video conferencing

Video conferencing helps businesses and individuals engage in group meetings. Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, etc., are popular video conferencing tools. They allow participants to engage in virtual meetings and collaborate in real-time.

VIDEO CONFERENCING

• Everyone can see you, all the time. This is not an audio conference, just because you are not speaking does not mean others in the conference can’t still see you.
• Be punctual and courteous. Introduce yourself and take note of other attendees’ names so you can address them by name. Turn off ringers for your other phones. Treat this just like you would an on-site meeting.
• No multi-tasking, we can see you. Look at your screen, pay attention to others and when speaking make sure to look at your camera.
• If it is improper for a face-to-face meeting, then it doesn’t work for video either. Don’t click your pen, tap on your desk or anything else annoying or distracting. Avoid yawning, gum chewing, etc.
• Make sure you have good light. Adjust lighting or use a portable light source to make sure you have good light shining at you from the front. You can overdo it too, so experiment until you find a good balance. Try pointing a strong desk lamp at the wall you’re facing. You get good front light without having to look directly into a harsh light.
• Do not eat! You may enjoy a glass of water or coffee, but drinking a glass of wine or a bottle of beer is not acceptable. Do not smoke during the meetings either.
• Video allows us to do face-to-face meetings right from our virtual office. Even though we all enjoy sitting in a short and t-shirt in our virtual offices, it is not appropriate when you are called into a virtual meeting. Business casual at all times is the new rule. If you have a planned customer call you should consider dressing the same as you would for an on-site meeting.
• Do video calls from your desk or other appropriate location. Lying on the couch (or anywhere) with your pc on your chest or stomach doesn’t present a flattering view.
• If you have a cluttered work space, make sure it’s not showing up on camera. Consider removing award plaques from other (competitor) companies on your wall.
• Make sure to have current client version loaded before scheduled calls. Test your audio and/or video before a scheduled call.
• Avoid high traffic areas. Sometimes it’s hard to avoid but do not position yourself where other people will be parading through the view of the camera on a regular basis.
• Close unused applications, video can be CPU/memory intensive.
• Avoid creating pixilation! Do not wear stripes, or anything with a heavy pattern. If you have vertical mini-blinds do not have them in the background. Minimise your hand gestures and body/head movements as well.
• Consider posting your comment/question in the chat window.
• Picture in Picture is your best reference, you can see yourself and your surroundings just as others on the call can. Pay close attention to what you see there, and make adjustments as necessary.
• DO NOT video while driving.

Video conferencing tools have evolved as an effective alternative to physical meetings and conferences. They allow participants to share screens, transfer files, and collaborate in real-time. Video conferencing is more effective than voice calls as it helps observe non-verbal cues, facial expressions, etc.

Large businesses set up dedicated video conferencing rooms with high-grade cameras and screens to enhance the quality of the conversation.

Conclusion

Internet communication has brought the world closer and revolutionized the way businesses and individuals engage. It can be seen that the Internet helps businesses save costs, improve scalability, make quicker decisions, explore more opportunities, and gain a competitive edge.

There are different types of internet communication, like instant messaging, VoIP, email, etc., and you must choose one depending on the purpose. Also, you must evaluate the security aspects of the apps to ensure that you choose the most reliable one.

Do you feel the Internet has revolutionized how you interact with colleagues and personal acquaintances? If yes, let us know your favorite mode of communication via the Internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of internet communication?

The internet provides various ways to communicate. Some examples of internet communication are:

1. Web conferencing
2. Email
3. Discussion groups
4. RSS feeds
5. Mailing lists

What is the use of the internet in communication?

With the use of the internet, communication has become easier than ever! Colleagues working remotely can easily connect with others in any corner of the world.

Moreover, with a reliable internet connection, we can share images, post stories, and chat with friends and family.

What are the features of internet communication?

Some crucial features of internet communication are:

1. Accessibility
2. Ease of use
3. Low cost
4. Flexibility to communicate
5. Security