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.

---

How to Increase Sales with Automation Improvements

How popular is online shopping? And is there room for... Read More

Nonsense! Why Do I Need a Website?

"I don't sell anything online, I don't advertise online, in... Read More

12 Tips To Great Websites

Why do some sites succeed while the vast majority of... Read More

Duplication vs. Individualism

How can we add Word Rich Content to our Websites... Read More

A Web Site for Your Small Business: How to Set Up a Website

Your web site will be your window to the world.... Read More

Why Your Business Needs a Website

Even with the steady growth of the World Wide Web,... Read More

Web Accessibility: The Basics

What is web accessibility & why is it important?Web accessibility... Read More

Building Websites with Directory Generator

Directory Generator, a product from Armand Morin and Marc Quarles,... Read More

Do You Need a Web Database?

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

Do Dancers Need A Website?

Dance is how you pamper your soul and satiate your... Read More

Three Way Linking - Webmaster Strategy

Three way linking and concerns.For many years SEO experts were... Read More

What and How to choose the Right Keywords for Mega Traffic

Keywords in Search Engine Optimizing and Search Engine Marketing are... Read More

Ten Ways NOT to Set Up a Website-based Service Business

1. As the first step, "Hire a web designer."First create... Read More

Five Reasons You Have to Stop Your Web Site

That's right. Your method, behavior and strategy you are now... Read More

What is SQL?

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

Lead Generation How to -- 10 Tips On Generating More Internet Sales Leads

Many millions of dollars are being wasted on promoting and... Read More

Website Globalization

Globalize Your WebsiteThe Internet has unlocked a wide array of... Read More

9 Keys to an Effective Website

Many small companies choose not to invest in a professionally... Read More

Where?s Your Web Site?

This simple question can take on several different forms, but... Read More

UK Online Shopping with an Edge, for Buyers and Sellers Alike

Any new website competing on the internet, needs to take... Read More

PHP Redirect

A PHP Redirect automatically transfers a web user from one... Read More

Making Your Website Shine! Attract and Keep Visitors at Your Site!

When you consider the billions of individuals and companies on... Read More

The Cost Of A Web Site

Just starting out, you can start with a simple informational... Read More

The Dos and Donts of Launching a Small Business Website

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

Earning From Your Website

Before you start building your site, ask yourself "WHY?". Why... Read More

Ten Quick Tests To Check Your Website For Accessibility

The Disability Discrimination Act says that websites must be made... Read More

Setting Up Your First Website

Q. Hey, Cathy: I'm just setting up a website. What... Read More

3 Ways To Increase Your Websites Conversion rate

Everywhere you look these days, people are telling you that... 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

Art, Artists and the Web: Part 3--What to Put on an Artist?s Website

What to put your the website if you are an... Read More

Email Addresses in Web Pages

You want to give your site's visitors a way to... Read More

Eight Deadly Web Site Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Creating and maintaining an effective presence on the Web has... Read More

How Disabled Users Access The Internet

In 1995 a new era of accessibility for disabled people... Read More