Website Tips

There are many ways a website can help your business that differ depending on the kind of work you do.

Why a web site? There are many ways to take an approach to the Internet.  If you plan to sell products or services on line the need for a website is obvious.  But even if you don't plan to sell anything directly online, the web can provide a lot of advantages. Here are just a few ideas:

Websites generally perform one or more of the following activities:

• Publish company information through online brochures
• Take orders for goods or services
• Provide services or digital goods
• Add value to goods or services
• Cut costs

Internet Facts

Marketing Tool

The Internet has become the most affordable marketing tool for a small business, a product or a service. Inc. Magazine reports out of  a total of 214 companies: 21.5% have websites, 77% identified the Internet as increasing revenues and 74% reported quicker customer access through the Internet.

Higher Revenues

Small businesses that use the Internet have higher revenues averaging $3.79 million compared to $2.72 million overall.

Business Research

According to Neilsen Media Research, 75% of all businesses use the Internet to gather information.

Tourism Industry

The tourism industry (the fastest growing industry on the Internet) reported that while only three million people made their travel plans on the web in 1996, by the year 2000, that number had grown to 59 million!

Benefits of a Website

Flexible and Expandable

Your business' website can grow and expand as your business does. You can start with one of Datum Connect's Basic Packages or go the whole hog! - make an enquiry now!

Inexpensive Marketing

A website including your website design can be set up for as little as $1990 and will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Many one-off newspaper ads not only cost more than that but are only visible for one day.

Inexpensive Updating

Updating a website is far less expensive than updating printed material such as brochures and catalogues. With Datum Connect we can edit your website for a minimal charge or you can update the website yourself with ease!

Easier Communication

With a website you can communicate easily and effectively with your current customers to build stronger relationships.  As for gaining new customers, many people now look to the internet to search for a product or service before the yellow pages. Search engines are fast becoming the research vehicles of choice to tens of thousands of people. While a website may not replace the need for the yellow pages just yet, it is certainly a cost effective addition to your marketing campaign.

24/7 Availability

Your website is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your customers and clients will have instant access to your products and services all day, everyday. Your website will keep working for you by showcasing your products and serviceseven when your business is closed! Potential customers can learn about your company, explore what you have to offer and order your goods or services on-line. You can place product and order information, technical support and step-by-step guides on-line for your customers. You can have a detailed street map showing your customers exactly where you are.

Local & Worldwide

A website extends the geographic reach of your business. Web users in your area and around the world can access your website. A quality website provides the opportunity to increase your sales and profits by reaching people who want to know more about your products and services. The global exposure of a website opens your business to a potential customer base that you never had before.

Economical

Your website offers affordable advertising. A website can also make advertising more efficient as well as decrease labour costs. By including your company's website address in your advertising, potential customers can easily find out more about what you have to offer. You will spend less time answering basic questions about your products and services because your customers can find the information they need on your web site.

Effective

A professionally designed website offers your business more public exposure, improves the effectiveness of all your advertising, extends your public image as well as expanding your market and potentially giving you more growth. It provides potential customers the opportunity to view your products and services 24 hours a day.

Credibility

Website design when done properly legitimises and gives credibility to a business by giving it a cutting-edge corporate appeal.  It encourages clients and potential clients to consider what you have to offer. Visitors get the information they need when they need it, anytime of day, any day of the week.

Secure Your Business for the Future

A website brings your business into the 21st century. Companies preparing for changes in the way business is and will be conducted will flourish. Developing a website for your company is one of the best ways of securing your business for the future. A website should be used to promote your company as a knowledgeable industry leader by providing insightful content.

Lead Generation & Direct Sales

Creates a fresh marketing tool for every member of your team to use. The Internet can also be used to generate leads and propel commercial activities. Give your visitors an incentive to submit a short form in order to generate leads. Display a printed catalogue or brochure on your web site and encourage impulse buying by accepting credit cards.

Save time & Money

Posting traditionally printed material on a site saves time, money and resources. A website reduces, if not eliminates, the need to reproduce, print, and mail material. Also, printed material becomes quickly dated and has to be reprinted, incurring costs repeatedly. On the Internet, when you have a change, you simply edit the site. Instantly, visitors worldwide can view a current catalogue, without costly printing and distribution. Marketing and advertising via a website is exponentially less expensive then traditional methods and doesn't end up in the recycle or trash bin. Your customers can also download product specifications/manuals in PDF format.

A website can save staff time by facilitating convenient customer "self-service". Low priority enquiries can be safely directed to the web. Do you find that you answer the same questions over and over for customers? Your website offers the perfect place to provide in depth answers to the questions you frequently get asked. imagine if you could reduce time spent on customer support queries by 10%!

Improve Productivity

Delivering information via your website is more efficient than snail mail, fax, and in many cases even e-mail. E-mailing a link to your site saves you the time of repeatedly typing and/or cutting and pasting information. In addition, e-mailing a link to your website doesn't require specific software, as does e-mailing attachments.

Feel free to contact one of our web site design and marketing consultants today.

Cost

Are you curious to find out what a website for you business would cost? Get a free quote now!

Media Comparison Chart Marketing Quality Your Website Radio TV Newspaper National Audience Yes Possible Possible Possible International Exposure Yes No Possible No Target Specific Audience Yes Possible Possible No View on Demand Yes No No Yes Instant Consumer Interaction Yes No No No Relative Expense Low Moderate High Moderate