Web 102 - Marketing

Business On The Web

WHO uses the Internet to market their business?

Statistics show that business use of the Internet has been doubling every 6 months! Today's busy consumer is balancing both time and money. Thanks to technology, retail is changing to e-tail where shoppers online visit malls without walls. In the global marketplace, the Internet marketing strategy is faster, cheaper and more effective than any other available today.

WHAT is the Web?

Short for the "World Wide Web", it is an invisible network of electronic documents that are transmitted via the Internet, which connects the world very much like the telephone network. The Web distributes your marketing strategy to millions of consumers here at home and around the world, giving them access to a "Web site" with information about your business from the comfort of their homes, any time of the day or night.

WHAT does it cost?

Prices vary widely as with any marketing strategy. A basic Web page can be purchased from a local directory or community site at very low cost, on up to the limits of your budget.

A small Web site can be created (one-time fee) for much less than brochures, radio or TV ads or even newspaper ads. The annual costs to register a domain name is about $25. Web site hosting (storage) fees of $60-150 per year are common - a large site with secure processing, payment or other online services would cost much more for design, programming, credit services, site maintenance and hosting.

WHEN is a good time to get on the Internet?

Right now! The Web is already the accepted marketing strategy in today's world. Your Web site can easily be redesigned and updated as your business grows.

WHERE can I find out more information?

There are many services that can create your Web site, get your business, help it get found online, and sell you domain name registration and Web site hosting. If you buy these from different companies, search for good web hosting services first - you can buy the domain from them.

WHY would I use the Internet if I'm happy with my current marketing strategy?

You get more value for your money on the Web! Where else can you reach so many potential new customers for so little cost? What other service allows you to help your customers without spending any time or staff? How else can you sell your products and services while you sleep?!

The 'if you build it they will come' philosophy only works with an effective marketing strategy. Print, radio and TV are themselves marketing via the Internet because its interactive capabilities, unlimited options and convenience get the best results. Let's face it: The bottom line is, a marketing strategy that offers the best price, performance and popularity simply makes good business sense.

HOW do I get started?

Identify goals and plan a web marketing strategy before you talk to any web service providers. Do you want to attract new customers, give information about products and services, do market research, provide customer support, to entertain, or perhaps something else?

Web Sites and Online Marketing

If you build it, they won't come! It isn't enough to simply get your business online. You also need a good marketing strategy to ensure that people searching online for your products and services find your business instead of your competitors'.

Get listed in a local community business directory - especially those you find with Web searches for local information. Though consumers search the world for information on a product or service, statistics show they like to shop at home.

A professional Web designer creates a Web site that is worth visiting. It is:

• a well-organized, easily navigated marketing tool that showcases products and services in a broad range of relevant browsers;
• an interactive marketing strategy, frequently updated, which serves current client needs and attracts new business.

What is the bottom line?

We all know you've got to spend money to make money. The most important thing is spending wisely. A business that decides on an online marketing strategy can...

• Create a Web presence, a Web address and become part of a local business directory;
  
  
• Target a larger number of Web search engines to market your products and services as widely as possible.
  
  
• Ask your Head Office Web site to provide a link to your Web site. The more links to your site, the better your search rating will be - so you will get "found" rather than larger competitors. Ours is a transient society - a loyal customer relocating to your community will naturally check the web for the same products and brands they prefer to buy. If your Head Office Web site provides a link to your Web site, you will have a new customer.
  
  
• Don't forget to add your new domain or Web address to all your business communications and advertising - even on company cars!

• Additional Information:
• Web 101 for Business
• Web 102 Web Marketing for Business
• 8 Steps to creating a Web site
• Business Web Plan
• Domain Names explained
• Starting a Consulting Business
• Internet statistics