Owning a business in today is much different than 20, 10 or even 5 years ago. More and more business owners are recognizing the potential of digital marketing.
Don't have a web site?
Some of you may already have a web site. Ask yourself the following if you have an existing web site:
Is your web site updated regularly?
No one surfing the web wants to read outdated information or search outdated products. You wouldn't keep the Christmas stock on display in your store and forget about Easter items would you? If you have a sale or special in your store, don't you put up signs and advertise? Having a web site is like having a chain of stores in every city in every Country. Shouldn't it be impressive, updated and easily navigated?
Is your web site cluttered with useless images, LARGE IMAGES or sound?
Today people can surf the internet without images. Why would they do that? Because many web sites are too cluttered with useless pictures or music and take FOREVER to load for viewing. We live in a fast-track society. Everyone is IN A HURRY. Your web site should be FAST to load, straight and to the point, getting their attention and KEEPING it. Imagine if it took 5 or even 2 minutes for customers to enter your storefront. While they stand there and wait to get in they see another store next to yours... Everyone is coming and going, lots of activity and NO WAIT.. AH! A short line... You've lost a customer to the competition. Being "attractive" does not necessarily mean adding more make-up.
Does your web site have updated information/products and working links?
An example of this would be - The Sawmill Center for the Arts, a very plain, unorganized web site, where almost all links and information were outdated and/or incorrectly linked. What is the use of that web site? ---none---- This organization continued to get inquiries about ordering out of stock products and attending out of date shows and classes consuming the valuable time of it's Executive Director and Staff. Their time could have been better spent on other activities.
What YOU need to do if you want a successful web site...
I can only build a better ship... YOU need to sail it.
Forms, mailing lists and online purchase links are great tools if you are willing to respond to them QUICKLY. Adding a suggestion or request form, instant online purchase links and/or a mailing list to your web site means you are willing to take on a little extra work for the betterment of your business. (Note: Your business should have a WEB BASED e-mail address)
Put yourself in your customers shoes for a moment. Monday at 9 am you are looking for a COG to repair your construction equipment before a big job starts next week. You find "ANDY'S HOUSE OF COGS" web site. He has the exact part that you need and you see that his site has been updated recently so he must have it. You use the instant purchase option and you pay for the part online and choose to have it delivered OVERNIGHT EXPRESS. No use wasting time right?
Monday afternoon you receive an e-mail notification that the COG you ordered will be sent the following morning. You receive the part Wednesday afternoon and repair your equipment for the upcoming job. "ANDY'S HOUSE OF COGS" saves the day!!
That would be an ideal situation. The customer visits your web site, orders, pays online and requests to be put on your mailing list because of your fast and friendly service. Later you can use the mailing list to broadcast announcements of new products, pricing changes or specials. If you really want to get involved you can even wait a week after the part has been delivered then e-mail the customer and ask him if the product and service were acceptable. E-mail broadcasts should be done at least once a month.
Having a great web site is key to a successful business or organization. Maintaining it can be slightly time consuming but worth it!
If you feel the business or organization you represent needs a web site or a better web site, please consider using our services to bring your products and ideas to millions of Internet users.
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