When you want to learn about a new business, the latest news, the upcoming weather or the current sales at your favorite store, what is the first thing you do?  In today’s technologically savvy times, majority of all people asked this question would probably answer it the same way; they turn to the Internet.  Computer prices have dropped significantly since the inception of the home personal computer and now most homes, schools and libraries now have computers. When we want to find out more about a company, now we simply go to our favorite search engine and search for the company by name.  But how often do you find that the company you are looking to learn more about still does not have an Internet presence through a website of their own? When you go to business networking functions, do you still receive business cards only to find they have email address ending in@hotmail.com or the like? In today’s business world it is hard to fathom just how many businesses still do not have a web presence.

A website is a fairly inexpensive business tool that serves a purpose for both the business and its audience.  For the business, having a website is a relatively inexpensive and easily attainable way to advertise you and your business.  The Internet is a also a great source for new business that you would not otherwise have access to through traditional means of advertising.  Obtaining an appropriate domain name for your business no longer comes with a large price tag. In fact, you can obtain a domain name from Register.com or GoDaddy.com, which is becoming ever more popular due to their Danika Patrick Go Daddy Girl Commercials.   You can even obtain domain names for less at other places, but make sure that you do not tie yourself into a long term web hosting service contract in exchange for a super low price.  In some cases where extremely low prices are offered you may find you do not own the domain name, but are just renting it.

Web Hosting

Speaking of web hosting, I did a little research on the Internet, of all places, on which web hosting companies seem to rank the highest.  I found many “Top 10 Web Hosting” lists and many reviews from independent users.  Although we do not use them, what came up consistently as the #1 or #2 Web Hosting Company is JustHost.com.  On their website they claim to have “Fast, reliable, web hosting at an affordable price with secure servers, and 24/7 technical support.”  They are running a promotion right now for $3.45 per month hosting cost.  What I like most about their service is that they offer an “Anytime Money Back Guarantee”, Unlimited GBs of space and transfer and a free site builder service as well.  This company sounds as if they are suited to those just building their websites for the first time.

However, if like us, your needs are greater and you wish to have your own server with which to store your website, we use a company called GlowHost.com.  GlowHost also offers relatively inexpensive web hosting packages, starting at $4.99 a month.  Years ago we started out with one of their lower priced packages and it didn’t take long for it to no longer serve our purposes.  We initially selected GlowHost because they, like many other web hosts, have many hosting packages to choose from, and when a shared server is no longer able to keep up with your growing site you can move up to a virtual private server (VPS) or eventually to a dedicated server, with many levels to choose from there as well.  At IPWatchdog we have a managed dedicated server, GlowHost manages the technical stuff and also is available for consulting on an hourly basis when necessary.  Their dedicated server prices are extremely competitive.  So if you think your business has a lot of Internet growth potential, or your current business is growing rapidly on the Internet, you should probably give GlowHost at least some consideration.

Choosing a Domain Name

When you choose your domain name, you will want to choose it wisely!  Choose a name that is descriptive of what you do.  In fact, if you can get a domain name that includes your company’s name, such as IPWatchdog.com, that is best and what most likely will be the first thing your prospective audience will search for. You may also want to purchase different common misspellings of your domain name if you can, especially pluralities of it, such IPWatchdogs.com.  You may also want to consider similar names that unscrupulous competitors might want to take, such as TheIPWatchdog.com, IPWatchdogBlog.com, IPWatchdogOnline.com and MyIPWatchdog.com, for example.  And just for the record, we own all those and a few more, so we practice what we preach!

You don’t have to create a website for each and every alternative domain name, you can simply redirect folks that type in these domain names to your main web page.  This will not only make sure folks looking for you find you, but will also prevent your competitors from purchasing these other domain names and directing your traffic to their own websites.  It happens, I’ve seen it firsthand, and there are many legal battles waged over just such behavior.

Choose a domain name that you plan to stick with because as long as you keep your registration current the domain name is yours to keep.  Once you have a purchased your domain and set up your website, you can list your website address on your business cards, fliers and pamphlets, bulletin boards, and even your company vehicle you drive around in each day.

Web Presence

Your website can also be a great money saving tool for your company as well.  Space on a website is significantly less expensive than full color print and therefore gives you the ability to show more, for less.  For example, whether you sell a tangible product or services, you can feature an electronic catalog on your website, with no limit on size. You can describe all of your products and services in greater detail because space is not limited based on price as normal print advertising would be.  Perhaps the most important money saving aspect of an online catalog is if you need to make a change, such as if you delete or add products or services, you have the ability to make the necessary changes at no additional costs rather than needing to reprint all of your printed marketing materials.  Not to mention, with a website there is less need to send out expensive mailings that are often thrown away without ever being looked at.

By having a web presence, you expand your market significantly. You make yourself available to people in other time zones and even across the globe rather than limiting yourself to the market audience you can reach in your local geographical area and at a fraction of the cost!

Now think of this, what is it that people look for most nowadays?  Convenience!  We all lead very busy lives when you consider the commitment of career and family, so when shopping around most people look for convenience and ease.  They want to do things when it’s convenient for them, where it’s convenient for them and how it’s convenient for them.  With a website, your audience will have the convenience of reading about your company and the services and products you offer on their own time when they want to, making their stay on your site more likely to lead to sales.

It may be unrealistic for you to have hours of operation 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.  However, having an internet presence essentially gives your audience access to your business as if you do.  Again, it’s a matter of convenience.  Your audience does not want to wait for you to open.  By including a “Contact Us” link on your website, you give your customers additional accessibility to you when it is convenient to them.  They can come to your site to learn all about your company and what you have to offer after dinner, after they put the kids to bed, on the weekends, etc yet still have the ability to put in an inquiry to you even when you are not “in the office”. Your website gives you the ability to go more in depth about what you and your company does, so you can feature multiple tabs on your site with greater details about the different aspects of your company, products and services. You can even provide directions to your place of business, making it easier for customers to find you.

Another important aspect of having an Internet presence is that the Internet offers advertising that is more targeted to a specific audience. The clients who visit your website are there because they have a specific interest in your company’s product or service, which you can use to your advantage.  Offer a newsletter or sales flier that your readers can “Subscribe” to which you can send to them via e-mail. By collecting e-mail addresses from willing visitors to your website you can stay in contact with them without having to pay for printing or postage.

Conclusion

Whether you are a small business owner, inventor, entrepreneur, artist, author, musician, band, doctor or veterinary hospital you need a website. Increasingly people are turning to the Internet to find information, and if you don’t have a presence on the Internet you will not only be making it more difficult for people to find you, but you will miss out on so many opportunities for new business.  If you want to make a good first impression a website is a great place to start!

Stay tuned for my continuation of this discussion with a series of posts on The Importance of Using Social Networking Websites.