Do “I” Really Need A Presence On The Internet To Succeed In Business Today?
In today’s world, almost everyone wants to “check you out ... the first place they go to is the Internet.” So a web site is very important if you plan on starting or growing your business.
Don’t know how to design or put up a web site? Well, don’t feel out of place, most people don’t know how to put one together, let alone what to put on it. First, look at businesses or competition that already have sites. Granted, some of the web sites aren’t very functional or pretty, but they’re there and it’s a good place to get ideas. Learning to build a site takes a lot of time, so if you are inclined that way there are courses at local community colleges and computer stores to help you learn. If you are not technically inclined or just don’t have the time, consider hiring a professional web specialist. Beware though, check out who ever you are considering, ask for references and to see sites they have done ... there are differences. A web designer may know how to make it “pretty” but not know how to do a shopping cart or an IT guy may know how to make it “work” but it won't look good ... make sure whoever you hire has the knowledge or a team to do the entire process of both the design and the technology.
I work with a delightful woman named Sharon Sayler, at www.impressionengineers.com who specializes in helping build web sites that pull people into your business, by making the right impression from the start. I have worked with Sharon for over a year and her fresh ideas and intuitive insight are second to none. She is also an outstanding person to go to if you need to “Brand” yourself or your product. She has an excellent yet simple step-by-step program you can follow to determine what makes you unique and different from your competition.
My suggestion would be to get all your ideas together, along with any pictures you want to include. As well as, a short description of what you or your product does and exactly what you are offering. If you are marketing a service or information product, make sure to include a picture of yourself ... people like to know whom they are dealing with. Be sure and have several ways people can contact you. Besides email, consider a toll-free number, there are many inexpensive toll-free options today.
If you sell a product or service online, you will need a “shopping cart” ... not only do carts allow customers to order, they can track those orders; send out follow up auto responder emails and much more. After trying 3 of them (a very expensive proposition) I highly recommend 1 Shopping Cart, it is the easiest one to use, has lots of features and options and is simple to set up and administer. The part I like best, 1 Shopping Cart has the option of paying month to month, that way you’re not spending hundreds of dollars and the possibility of getting stuck with something that doesn’t work for you ... like I did with another cart system!
A little help in the beginning gets you started on the right track and will definitely make it easier for you to succeed. Maneuvering around the Internet on your own can be a daunting task and is probably responsible for many people never going anywhere with those fabulous ideas they have tucked away in their heads ... sometimes it’s just easier to take all of your ideas to someone like Sharon who can help you get the best presence on the Internet you possibly can. Go for it!
Until Later, Have A Beautiful Day,
Heart Hugs,
Susan Marie