In a recent poll, 90% of the business web sites were created specifically so their customers and prospects could find their current contact information.
At first it would seem that is a considerable amount of effort for “just” a phone number or a mailing address. But then when you consider the time and money to establish a new address or phone number through the “established” channels of communication (phone book, newspaper, etc.) it makes sense; particularly when it is your money, your time, and your contact information.
You probably do not need to be persuaded with the mounting statistics of the influence of the internet in our everyday lives. If you don’t already have your own business web site, it may only become a matter of time before you become reliant upon one. The vast majority of you probably already have an email address and that is a major first step.
Even the most basic of web sites will allow you and your business to establish a “presence” within your local community. A web site consisting of one page can contain your name, address, phone, fax, email, hours of operation, services, specialties, staff, directions, testimonials, products, activities, and images of your facility.
Virtually everything you need to “sell” yourself to a potential customer can be found on your “home” page.
You have a head start with your web site if you are active within your business and professional communities. Many business and civic organizations have web sites and will include your business listing and a link to your own web site. “Traffic” to their site can find their way to your site.
By offering reciprocal links to favored veterinarians and pet stores you increase your business exposure to a qualified audience.
So how do you get started if you do not have your own web site? There are a number of web sites dedicated to supporting the first time web shopper. I came across one, HOSTING REVIEW which can be found at www.hosting-review.com. This site offers an up to date review of web hosting companies in their February “issue.”
What makes this site most interesting is the in-depth review of the top 10 web hosting services. The firms are ranked by price value, customer support, reliability, management, reputation within the industry, hours of operation, ease of use, user feedback, etc.
If you are serious about your own web site I encourage you to do your own research. Many of these web hosting services offer easy to use templates for creating your own site. They will assist with registering your own domain name, personalized email addresses, and even provide sales support should you have your own products.
To keep your operating costs at an acceptable pace you can contact your local high school computer club or similar high tech youth organization for technical support.
Synchronicity
All facets of marketing communications
Owner: Charlie Comstock
Business Phone: 360-461-3155
Email: ccomstock<at>direcway.com