So you want to get your business online with a new website?

The first question I ask clients wanting a website developed is – Why?

This may seem like a strange question for someone working in a business that specialises in online marketing to ask. However, it is a crucial question to ask if we are to develop a website that will help to grow our clients business.

Firstly you need to decide if you will be using your website to promote your products (an e-brochure), or whether you will use it to sell your products online (e-commerce).

The answer to this question will depend on the type of products you sell, who your target market is, and whether your business has the required infrastructure in place to be able to manage online sales. There are many different options from your own e-commerce site to third- party providers such as Pay Pal.

Secondly, you must decide what content and look your website will have.

Again this comes back to your market. Your website must add benefit to your business and it can only do this through effectively engaging and providing information to your target market. If it does it well, this will result in enquiries and sales being generated through your website.

Once you have invested in your website, ensure you promote it through listing your URL or domain name on all your other marketing material. Selecting a URL which is easy to remember and spell is an important aspect of establishing your online presence.

Once your business is online, the next step is to track and analyse your web statistics and online leads to ensure your website delivers your results that work! Like any promotion or advertising, taking a strategic approach will give you measurable and effective outcomes.

“This article was written by Tracy-Madonna Wylie, Business Manager, Nutbirdz Strategic Marketing, and printed in the My Marketing Companion column of the Fraser Coast Chronicle in 2007.”