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Posted: Feb 8 2012 - 12:04pm
In the first part of this blog we introduced Google Adwords as a serious options for small businesses looking to increase their sales leads from the Internet. In this blog we'll be looking at three very important areas to work on before you start...
The missed potential of business websites
It will come as no surprise to you to find out that most small businesses fail to utilise the full potential of the web. Research has shown that more than 75% of businesses in the UK use the internet to make purchases of one sort or another, which makes for by far the largest potential customer base your business could have.
If your product or service is sound, and you are commited to the success of your online presence, then realising the potential that the web holds for your business is comfortably within your grasp. Take some time to research your competitor's websites and you will quickly come to realise that many of them offer nothing more than an online brochure, and they are often difficult to find if you don't already know the business name or website address.
Out of date and out of touch
Many of these websites will also be horribly out of date, and often out of touch with the industry they belong to, making them an unattractive proposition for potential visiting customers. In the vast majority of cases, each visitor will be experiencing the business for the very first time, and as in any other area of life, first impressions are important.
There are a number of reasons why the web is not being properly embraced by small businesses, including - costs, skill shortages, understanding, time and relevance. There is also an element of fear when it comes to embracing the technology aspect and exposing your business to competitors and the public at large.
Embarking on a structured and regular maintenance plan with a technology partner such as Gillespie's can address all of these issues, ultimately leading you to regard your website as your strongest marketing tool and revenue stream.
Measuring success in small steps
It is a common misconception in business that when it comes to websites, everything has to be done in one go. Nearly always, this leads to a confused and incomplete offering which reflects your business in a bad light.
Making small steps ensures your website becomes part of your overall business strategy. It keeps everything fresh and relevant, shows enthusiasm and confidence, and from a purely marketing point of view, it helps your website to be found on search engines.
In the next posting, we will look at how the right approach will not only benefit the online success of your business, but will also help you to better understand your business and be more confident in your Unique Selling Proposition.