What Business Owners MUST Know BEFORE They Commit To Having A Web Site

Q1.Why would I need a web site?
A1.

- Improve my service by providing the existing clients with useful resources

That will help me to build up the loyalty of the clientele and get returning clients.

Examples: my contact details, this month special, technical info on the products.

- Obtain new clients via Internet That is how I am going to make new sales.

Example: local resident searching for "car dealers Geelong" on Google, will find my web site with latest stock details and pricing.

- My strongest competitors already have web sites! That is how I am going to match and beat them in the competition.

Q2.How am I going to achieve my online business goals?

A2.Initially I will have a nice but not an expensive web site.

It will be positioned on major search engines and drive potential clients to my business. It will be supported by a smart Internet marketing strategy tailored for specifically for my business.

That may include pay-per-click, email marketing or other methods. I will be spending more money on my web site only AFTER it starts generating income.

Q3.What is my web site checklist?

A3.Domain name registration, web hosting, web design, SEO - optimisation for search engines, Internet marketing, web site updates and web site maintenance.

These services are provided by different types of businesses. Some companies can deliver a complete web site service. I am going to ask my providers BEFORE I sign up how they are going to contribute to achieving of my online business goals. I will not sign up if they talk megabytes and technologies. I am interested in visitors and dollars!

Q4.What if I already have a web site?

A4.No matter how good is my web site - it will age.

I need to update it every 6 - 12 months. If your web site does not have a consistent targeted web traffic I may never get a Return On Investment.

If it is a case - my web site may need an immediate makeover.

Q5.What are the typical web site expenses, including hidden?

A5

- Web site design and development: $500+ (one off)
- Web site hosting: $240+ (annually)
- Web site marketing: $50+ (monthly)
- Web site update and maintenance: $30+ (monthly)

Q6.What type of web site is for me?

A6.Typically there are 3 types of web sites on the Internet.

Depending on my type of business, its size and targeted audience I should choose from:

1.Basic presence on the Internet

Internet version of my business card and online brochure. Benefits:

- extended branding of my business

- all hours availability of information for EXISTING clients

- improved image of my business

- professional email address instead of my local ISP

Examples: legal and accounting firms, printing.
Costs:$500+, annual maintenance $250+

2.Powerful marketing tool
Interactive web site.

Benefits:

- make existing clients return again and again

- establishing special relationship with clients

- get NEW clients

Example: hardware shop, travel agency.
Costs: $1500+, annual maintenance $500+

3.Additional sales channel
e-commerce web site suits retailers and wholesalers of goods. Works really well if brands and characteristics of products are well known or easy to explain. Great business value if the price is right.

Examples: stationary suppliers, books CDs,DVDs
Costs:$2500+, annual maintenance $1000+

RKD Unger is the founder of Infopulse Pty Ltd (Australia) and Internet Marketing Australia. Infopulse is a developer of SEO Explorer - a free SEO tool for webmasters.

---

Have You Got Your Ear To The Ground Or Your Head In The Sand?

What happened on your website yesterday? What about last week... Read More

Successful Commercial Sites

Do you make your website just to entertain yourself or... Read More

Should You Design Your Own Website?

If you're anything like most small business owners, you probably... Read More

Business Website Building Do?s and Don?ts

First, using a lot of web graphics, flash, banners and... Read More

The Number 1 Reason Most Websites Fail

Failure, just like success, is measured differently by each and... Read More

What is SQL?

What is SQL? SQL stands for Structured Query Language and... Read More

3 Reasons Why You Need URL Rewriting Module To Enchance Your Web

URL rewriting are major needs for your sites that produce... Read More

Now You Have a Web Site - Have You Ever Heard of Accessibility?

An accessible Web site is easily approached, easily understood, and... Read More

Instant Relevant Web Site Content - No Its Not a Bot

In about the Time it takes to Watch a Reality... Read More

Websites: You Get What You Pay For!

So you finally decided to invest in a web presence... Read More

Maximizing ROI via Web Site Traffic Analysis

We are clearly well past the innocent "golden age" of... Read More

Streamline your Business Website with a Content Management System

I talk with so many people who have small businesses... Read More

Optimal Website Design

Optimal website design is the art of logical navigation.It will... Read More

The Dos and Donts of Launching a Small Business Website

Launching a new small business website is often a long... Read More

Why You Need A Web Site

"I have a small business with just a couple of... Read More

Having a Portfolio on the Internet Can Help you Infiltate the Workforce

If you're an up and coming graphic/web designer just out... Read More

Web Accessibility Myths

With more and more countries around the world passing laws... Read More

Making the Most of Your Website: Start with the Basics

One of my most salient memories from when I sold... Read More

Top 7 Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Website

A website provides invaluable advantages for businesses who have one.7... Read More

Are Web Graphics Stealing Your Money?

They might not be wearing a mask and carrying a... Read More

How Improving Your Sites Usability Can Increase Your Buyers by 40% and Boost Each Order By 10%!

With all of the factors involved in designing and building... Read More

The Power Is In The Pipes: How To Get Maximum Leverage From Your Website

What is the most important part of your online business?Many... Read More

Traffic for Webmasters

"If you build it, they will come"; is an age... Read More

How to Make Your Own Website For Free

If you like the Internet and surfing through the billions... Read More

Improve Conversion Rates ? Load Times

Your site is getting traffic, but conversion rates are horrible.... Read More

The Problem with Paypal On Your Web Page

When I set up my website I felt paypal was... Read More

KISS Your Website!

Many web developers today are starting to KISS their website,... Read More

Make Your Own Brand!

There are millions and millions of websites on the Internet.... Read More

How to Get a Knock Out Website!

The first step in setting up an online business...Starting an... Read More

Do You And Your Website Have Credibility?

I recently received an unsolicited e-mail from some company offering... Read More

10 Simple Steps: Its Magic If You can E-Mail You can Update Your Web Page Dynamically

Dynamically Update Your Web Pages Via E-MailIf you can Send... Read More

The Problem with Automated Accessibility Testing Tools

An automated accessibility tool is a piece of software which... Read More

10 Things You Should Be Monitoring On Your Website

Every business needs to know how it is doing. That's... Read More