Why Should Your Business Go O.N.L.I.N.E.

Optimize your time. How much time each day must you devote to paperwork, scheduling and accounting? You strive to meet the needs of your clients, but when chained to the obligations of business management, it's just as important to make sure the doors stay open as it is to satisfy customers. By integrating your daily tasks and taking advantage of the amazing Web-based software solutions out there, you can make more time for clients and spend less time behind your desk. Do you work from home? When your business is online, you can manage your business any place you have a connection to the Internet

Nickel here, nickel there. A close second to making your customers happy is your business's bottom line. Save money by transferring workloads. When your clients schedule classes and appointments online, you might not need a full time receptionist. If you choose an online resource that manages schedules, accounting and client information, you won't need separate software programs. Make money by offering series, packages and gift cards online. Identify the squeaking wheel through comprehensive Web-based marketing and sales reports. Find out what is selling, what is not; who is filling classes, who is not; and make necessary changes to grow your business.

Lose the appointment book. You have a staff schedule, a class schedule, a room schedule and your own schedule to manage. That's four appointment books and calendars! Using an online resource that manages all your scheduling needs at once not only streamlines your business, but lets you ditch the paper appointment books and calendars, clearing your desk, your office and your head. Plus, by publishing your calendars online, your customers can manage their own schedules better. With the click of a mouse, they know if there's a class Thursday morning they can make class or not. Plus, your teacher and instructors can see what classes and appointments they're scheduled for and prepare accordingly. Even better, allow your teachers to book themselves as unavailable for things like doctors and dentists appointments.

Innovate. An Internet presence is more than just a Web site. Offering content and information to customers online is valuable, but allowing them to interact with your business on their own time is a precious benefit. When a customer can view your calendar online, schedule a class, and pay for it all from the comfort of home when it's most convenient for them, you've taken a giant step in customer satisfaction.

News! What's happening at your studio? Have you hired a new teacher? Are you offering more classes? Are you adding a location or running a monthly special? A Web site provides the world with instant access to your latest and greatest. Keep customers in the loop and attract the attention of the local media by offering press releases, monthly newsletters, and more online. When cancellations occur, post the notice on your Web site instead of the studio door!

E-Commerce. Make your customers and your bank account happy by offering your services and gift cards for purchase online. Your customers have just about as little spare time as you do. Help them by providing them a way to pay membership fees, purchase class packages or even gift certificates where and when it's convenient for them.

Using a Web-based management tool also allows you to monitor your sales from home when it's convenient for you. Planning a much-needed vacation? Check your sales from the hotel room (or, better yet, the beach).

With over a decade of experience in technology and project management, Joyce Rimmele is an expert in helping businesses organize, focus, and execute. As Director of Marketing for MindBody Software (http://www.mindbodysoftware.com), Joyce helps yoga and Pilates studios, spas, and resorts identify and implement Web-based solutions. To reach Joyce, e-mail her at joyce@mindbodysoftware.com.

---

Running An Effective Website

Running an effective website is a continuous process. I have... Read More

Business Website Building Do?s and Don?ts

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

Successful Commercial Sites

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

Maximizing ROI via Web Site Traffic Analysis

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

Web Measurement: What You Don?t Know Would Make A Great Book

"What's in it for me?" you ask. "Why should I... Read More

Five Steps to Create Your Software Product with Outsourcing

Many executives and investors are skeptical that software products can... Read More

Database Driven Web Site - Do You Need It?

Many of site owners still don't realize all advantages of... Read More

How to Create a Professional Web Site in 24 Hours

While creating a Web site may seem like... Read More

Remember This When Building A New Site - Beginners Guide

I recently helped my mom to launch a website (www.mom2me.com)... Read More

I Did It: Six Months to a Successful Website

For years now I've been looking to start my own... Read More

Abandonment - Why Visitors Don?t Turn Into Customers

Every good Internet business understands the value of conversions versus... Read More

Six Basic Reasons Why Visitors Stay On Your Web Site

1. The first page appears quickly.It's a good way to... Read More

Autoresponders Make You Look Like A Pro

People like to get immediate responses to requests. Autoresponders are... Read More

50 Ways To Use Your Website

A website is the most versatile and cost-effective marketing tool... Read More

Optimal Website Design

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

Web Content: How Much Should I Pay?

When web content gets discussed on webmaster bulletin boards, the... Read More

Effective Webdesign

D.zigns dzignerwebs The Basics Before starting on... Read More

From Search to Sale

The Internet car buyer is an elusive animal. Trying to... Read More

Do You Need a Web Database?

Does My Web Site Require A Web Database?If your web... Read More

Adding Word Rich Content to Your Website

You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print,... Read More

Increase Your Affiliate Earnings with a Smart Webmaster Plan

Affiliate programs are a great way to earn an income... Read More

How Worldly is Your World Wide Web?

The growth in Internet usage around the world is astounding... Read More

Learn What 98% of Targeted Visitors Do On Your Website

Getting a Targeted Visitor to a website is a waste... Read More

How to Get a Better Web Site ROI

Better Web Site ROIHow to increase your business profitability by... Read More

Having a Domain Name And Web Site Gives Your Business The Key To The Door

Just like all things in life, the ways to run... Read More

Things to Consider Before Starting a Website

In the time that I have been using the Internet,... Read More

Free Webmaster Tools - 7 Things Every Webmaster Needs in Their Toolbox

Webmaster tools are vital to becoming both efficient and effective... Read More

Web Analytics - Getting it Right

Understanding and using web analytics.In recent years, website marketers were... 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

12 Essential Tips to a Professional Business Website

1. Choose a big enough font size. A size 12... Read More

Cost Effective and Powerful Dynamic Websites w. Fantastico Web Hosting

If you are developing your website on a host that... Read More

Your Website Should Be Selling

It may come as some surprise to a traditionally off-line... Read More

Create Huge Income From Your Web Site - 10 Easy Ways

The cost of setting up a web site is dirt... Read More