Some businesses do not need a web site

In our opinion web sites should be created to suit the needs of the specific business and, because every business is unique, then we prefer to work with businesses to develop the optimum solution and that solution may be to do nothing!

The internet is not a panacea and it in itself will not generate sales. The content of your web site is critical and, if you intend to utilise electronic commerce, the security and effectiveness of your system is absolutely vital. Selling through the internet must be properly planned, implemented, maintained and backed up by efficient order fulfilment.

A web site has no value until your customers know where it is. Creating a web site and positioning it on the internet will not improve your turnover or profitability. An effective web site must be properly promoted. This means submitting details to search engines and using the more traditional media to advertise your web presence.

The three main purposes of a web site are to promote a business, to provide information or to generate sales. Before making a commitment to invest in a web site or, indeed, in evaluating your existing internet presence you might like to consider the following questions:

What is the purpose of your web site, to promote, to inform or to undertake online transactions?

How do you currently promote your business?

How do customers find you?

What is the profile of a typical customer?

What type of information would you wish to publish on your web site, how is it currently available?

Are there any copyright issues?

Should visitors to the site be able to download information?

Do you require any interaction with or feedback from visitors to your web site?

Are your products or services suitable for sale over the internet?

Will there be a need to integrate your web site with existing sales or accounting processes?

Can you identify unique selling points and key benefits to internet customers?

Have you considered distribution and fulfilment costs?

Contact the Lakeshost team now for advice on setting up a new web site or upgrading an existing web site.