The Internet -
Small Business' New Friend
In this second half of a two part series on the effect that the
Internet can have on a small business, we provide tips and strategies on
implementing a Web-based sales presence. We also introduce several very
different Kentucky-based businesses that are taking advantage of the Internet
to grow their operations.
"In today's age of businesses, Internet technology has a huge
impact on the marketing of your business. As of March 31, 2006, there
were 227,303,680 internet users just for North America alone," said Maranda L.
Miller, C.E.O and Founder of From
Dark to Light Designs, a high-quality technology company specializing
in customized Web site and logo design. "Just imagine how many of those
users could be potential consumers for a company," she continues.
Before venturing online however, Maranda suggests that her
clients focus on three initial steps:
-
Determine a budget.
-
Determine what you want consumers to learn from your site.
-
Decide whether to outsource or develop the site yourself.
"Granted, this all sounds like a lot of work. However, a
well-planned and well-designed site can return many times its cost," she
concludes.
STEPS TO DEVELOPING AN ONLINE PRESENCE
1. UNDERSTAND THE GOAL(S) FOR YOUR SITE,
KNOW WHAT YOUR OPTIONS ARE, AND CREATE A PLAN
Building a successful Web site is similar to
building a house-there are basics that you must begin with and issues that you
must be aware of at each level. If one level is not developed properly,
the levels that follow will be left vulnerable. Therefore, the goal for a
Web site should be determined as early in the planning process as possible.
For further information, review these links:
Picking
the right domain name
Search for domain name
availability
Developing
a business plan for an e-business
Sample
business plan for an e-business
New rules
for writing an e-business plan
Determining
Web site goals
2. SITE DEVELOPMENT
Just as in buying a home, there are many options to be aware of
when it comes to actual site development - each option with its own set of
benefits and challenges.
Three options for creating a site are:
-
Build one from scratch
-
Rent a pre-fabricated site from a provider
-
Buy a ready made package
For further information, please review these links:
E-Commerce
Tutorial
Should
You Build Your Own Site?
3. SITE OPERATIONS
Security should be at the core of any strategic plan and can be provided by various implementations of cryptography, secure protocols, and digital certificates. The ability to accept and process credit card payments, e-checks, and even accept digital cash in a safe and secure environment is essential.
For further information, please review these links:
How
to build a Web site: Getting paid
Adding
plastic to your Web site
Developing
Privacy and Security Policies
4. MARKETING, MARKETING, MARKETING
Having a well designed, safe and secure site is an important
step, but to improve the chance of potential customers finding your site you
need to market it.
For further information, please review these links:
5
key mistakes online stores make
Components of a Web
Site Marketing Campaign
Search
engine submission tips
Online
marketing basics
New
strategies in online advertising
SUCCESS STORIES:
Courtesy of
Connect Kentucky's KY120, here are some examples of small businesses
doing great things with the internet.
Anything
Groes-Oldham County
Uncle
Lee's and Wing Supply-Muhlenberg County
Buggies
Unlimited-Jessamine County
Data
Futures-Harlan County
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