Business opportunities during recession!

Benefits of marketing when others are trimming back advertising budgets.

We only have history as a guide; understanding that history is based primarily on print, radio and TV advertising. There are distinctions but the basics apply to on-line as well.

Example 1

A 1981-82 McGraw-Hill Research study found;

Businesses that maintained or increased advertising during this recession showed higher sales growth both during the recession and for the three years following. By 1985 sales for the increased advertising group were 256% greater than businesses that cut back on advertising during the recession.

Example 2

During the 2001 recession aggressive advertisers increased market shares 2 ½ times the average for all businesses. Conversely 80% of all businesses increased advertising following the recession with little effect on market shares.

Innovating through a Recession by Professor Andrew J. Razeghi at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Stand apart from the herd: advertising during a recession is 2 1/2 times as effective as money spent when your competitors are ramping up their promotions.

How do online advertising cost/benefits compare to other forms of media?

There are many forms of online promotion; some that were once effective may now actually be a negative. (Microsoft lost the once popular Excel paper clip) An effective website; search engine optimized is a proven winner; but must be kept updated. Social networking is hot right now. Depending on your business objectives pay-per-click campaigns may be effective. The list goes on. More than any other form of advertising your online promotion can be targeted to your most likely customers.    

Why Does A Small Business Need A Website?

We are well past the point where a website is merely a status symbol; when you have a site because everyone else has one. The fact is since 2008 more customers find local businesses using search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.) than using the Yellow Pages. This alone should cause business owners to take a serious look at their on-line-strategy. Just as not every business needs a full page add in the Yellow Pages, neither does every business need to be at the top of a search engine query. However customers do need to be able to find you. Return customers may type in your company name but new customers search by key-words.

I'm looking for my type of business, in my city why aren't I listed?

It’s not as simple as listing your business in the right category in the Yellow Pages.

* If your site is using an older CMS (Content Management System) the search engines can’t find you. Even a 3-4 year old site may not work adequately.

* Search engines look for content, stale content, if you have not updated your site will cause a site to drop precipitously with the search engines.

* Consider an “on-page” Search Engine Optimization; it’s not a full page add but it’s economical and puts you in the game.

* When a customer finds you using a search engine they expect ready access to the product and service information that will help them make an informed decision. If the site is not easy to navigate or even worse does not show the information your customers are after, they will quickly leave and likely never return.

Search engine vs yellow pages.

http://www.goldcoastlogin.com.au/Search-Engine-Optimisation/YellowPages-vs-SearchEngines.htm

Call Now!  1-866-972-3200 For A Free Web Design Quote

How often should I update my website?

Should I update or redesign my website? If not now, when? These questions are generally not answered with a simple yes or no. Below are some guidelines that may help you find an answer.

Does your website display correctly in all modern browsers?

Internet browser technology has come along way over the last 3-4 years, with upgrades constantly being added for better security along with a more pleasant experience for users. Usually sites developed more than a couple of years ago are missing out on new technologies and features that new browsers offer. If your website does not display or function correctly in these new browsers visitors will not stay or return to your site.

Here are the 7 most popular Internet browsers as of March 2010 with the percentage of users.

Fire Fox 46.2%	IE 8 15.3%	Chrome 12.3%	IE 7 10.7%	IE 6 8.9%	Safari 3.7%	Opera 2.2%

 

Learn more about browser statistics here

 

How does your website stack up against your competitors?

Know your competition. Some markets are more competitive than others. You will want to be aware of what your competition is doing, then make sure your website is in the game. Updates or a complete redesign may be needed if your site falls short.

Does your site accurately and directly reflect your logo and branding?

The design of your website is very important. Your site should reflect who you are as a company. If you update your logo your website should be updated to match. Web design trends are constantly changing. To avoid your site looking dated, it is necessary to periodically update the look and feel of your website. More often for more competitive markets.

Has your website been optimized for search engines?

In order to keep your site competitive website optimization needs to take place to be found on Internet search engines. Search engines give guidelines to keep your site as visible as possible for natural searches (organic searches). These are also constantly changing. If your site has never been optimized, it is time for updates or a redesign.

Can you control the content of your website?

If you have a static website that is only updated by a your web developer or webmaster. Consider upgrading your site with a “content management system” (CMS). This will allow you control the layout, images and text of your site yourself. This option may cost you a little more up front for the initial build of the site, but will save you money in the long run. It is important to keep the content fresh and up to date on your site, in order to increase traffic to your site. A content management system is a great way to accomplish this.

 

Call or click today for a free consultation for your website update or redesign. 1-(866)-972-3200

Can I save money using website templates?

Can I save money using website templates versus a custom website?

Please for your own sake; don’t even think about!

You may even find a template where the artwork is appealing but many a cost conscious business owner has enlisted his nephew, friend or employee who’s done some web coding only to find months and months and dollars and dollars later the website doesn’t work. Professional web designers guarantee delivery and performance.

Custom logos, letterhead, business cards, favicons and other forms of branding are only available with custom sites.

Your customers want to find the information they are after without a lot of reading and after only a few clicks. If they do not find what they want within seconds they will leave your site and never return. You only have one chance to make a good impression. The design does not stand alone; it is the synergy between the graphic interface, navigation and database that creates an effective site. Your website can and will be your most cost effective advertising. It should be constructed so that it is search engine friendly.

Other factors to consider include: plan for the future; ‘scalability’ means a site is designed for future expansion; additional products, volume or features can be added at nominal cost as budgets allow.

How will you keep the content updated? A content management system (CMS) is highly recommended.