|
The
Internet for Small Businesses
Many times a business
owner walks into the Silicon Valley SCORE office to
ask about how to better market their business.
Sometimes they ask specifically about having a
website. Here are a few things to think about
concerning the Internet...
-
Just about any
business can benefit by having a website. For
most, the website is an electronic brochure.
For others it can be a full e-commerce site.
-
Depending upon your
skill level, you can create your own website.
"Wizards" are available from some web host
providers (e.g. Yahoo) that give you
fill-in-the-form style page creation. Programs
like FrontPage (soon to be Expression) are for
the more adventurous and skilled. Most,
however, may wish to hire someone. For simple
websites, think about looking at Craig's List (sfbay.craigslist.org).
-
Three key skills are
required to make a good website. You need web
technical skills, which varies by site
complexity. You need artistic skills to make the
site attractive. You need marketing skills to
communicate your message.
-
Once a website is
created, it can cost between $3 to $40+ per
month. SVSCORE uses a hosting service costing
$7/mo. If you develop the site yourself, look
for good online support.
-
You get to pick your
own web address ("URL"). Finding one is harder,
because the good ones are taken. Shorter names
are better, but make them easy to remember and
type.
-
With you own URL,
you also get to have your own e-mail address.
Instead of john.doe@gmail.com, you have john.doe@mybusiness.com.
-
Your business card
(and other material) should point to your
website and include your new e-mail. Most
people will see your website because you tell
them about it, not because they searched the
web.
-
Start collecting
client e-mail addresses. You can publish
periodic newsletters to advertise new services,
products, and promotions. The e-mail should
point to your website.
-
SVCORE offers a
seminar about Marketing on the Internet -
Marketing on the Internet - the next seminar
is Feb 13.
|
