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The internet is increasingly the first port of call for consumers. In fact, more than 20 million shoppers are now online, purchasing everything from books clothes and computers to cars holidays and life insurance. Marketing experts predict that the number of online shoppers will almost double in the near future: can you afford to miss out on this massive consumer base?
Even if you’re not planning to sell online, a website acts as a further extension of your business. Think of it as a salesperson working around the clock for you, allowing people to access your products and services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without leaving the comfort of their sofa!
Communicating online can also be a lot less expensive than traditional media. Of course there are set-up costs, but there are no print costs and you have unlimited space to upload information.
But, alas, to many of us the internet is not as rosy and trouble-free as it seems. So here are some tips to get you started:
1. Keep it simple
Remember the website is made to be used by the general public, not just the company. The first page most visitors will hit is your homepage, so make sure it sets out clearly who you are, what you do and how to contact you. Don’t be tempted by flashy graphics that deter from your overall message.
2. Finger tapping, head scratching frustrations
The majority of people online are looking for information, and they want it fast. Imagine you have five seconds to entice your customer - if your site takes too long to load or is riddled with unhelpful links people will click the back button and search elsewhere and voila, customer lost.
3. Out with the old and in with the new
Still have events on your site dating back to 2005? Be honest! Regular updates can dramatically improve your hits per month, and your presence on search engines.
4. Branding, branding, branding
Try to embed your logo into your website design; it makes your company look global and grand scale even if it is small.
5. Social networking sites – time wasting or a marketeer’s dream?
While students might seem to make up the majority of Facebook users, businesses are increasingly finding value in these sites. Not only can the various profile features and applications help to traffic people to your site, but embracing such a common tool in many consumers’ lives opens your business up to a vast amount of customers. It also shows that your company is modern, up-to-date and willing to move with the times.
6. www.co(m)nfusing.com
It’s actually better to have no website at all than to have one riddled with spelling mistakes and errors. A website reveals to the world how professional you are, it either says: “Our business is efficient, dynamic and fantastic which is why we have decided to tell you about it with this great website”, or it screams: “We are unprofessional, illiterate and just as slow as this homepage!”
Final thought: in order for your business to grow and flourish, it is vital to grab every marketing tool possible - and websites are one of the most up to date, cost effective and accessible.
Winner: The Beachcroft Hotel
Phil Roberts, manager of the Beachcroft Hotel, says: “We are extremely honoured to have won for the third year in a row. In order for any business to survive in today's current economy it is vitally important to maintain a good electronic presence. We see over 50% of our room sales coming from electronic marketing channels, which can give you an idea of how crucial getting online marketing is for us, and how crucial it could be for your business.”
Beachcroft Hotel
01243 827 142
www.beachcroft-hotel.co.uk
Sponsor: Dragonfly Design and Print
“As a digital print company we believe that websites are the shop windows of the modern age and fundamental to the growth of any business, which is why we are honoured to able to sponsor the Website of the Year Award at this year’s Arun Business Awards Ceremony.”
Antony Cleall, Dragonfly Design and Print
01243 866 060
www.dragonflydesign.co.uk
