subject: Your On-line Checklist [print this page] Your On-line Checklist Your On-line Checklist
If you've recently started a business or are about to, you're no doubt thinking about getting yourself a website. Many new businesses do, and then sit back and wait for all the work to start flooding in. However, there is a lot more to doing business online than this!
Follow this handy checklist designed to help you get to grips with what's involved in getting the most out of your online presence.
Get a Website
There is a variety of options to choose from, some of which may be more suitable than others. If you have limited funds, go for a template website. This is the best option for most SMEs or start-ups. If you have more cash to splash, a bespoke website designed specifically for you will cost more, but will bring with it additional benefits.
Get a Social Media Presence
There is no use denying it, unless you embrace social media, you'll be left behind. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn all work to boost the online profile, demonstrate expertise, get people talking about you and bring valuable links and traffic to your website. Show off your new website by Tweeting about it, sharing it with your Facebook friends or sending it to your LinkedIn connections. If this is all alien to you, then ask someone who knows to help you!
Start an Email Campaign
Keeping in touch with your customers is crucial and sending regular email bulletins or newsletters is a cost effective way of doing this. Announce your new website, request feedback, report on your news and promote special offers.
Develop Brand Consistency
Does your online branding match your headed paper, literature and business cards? If not, you won't get taken seriously. Choosing a web designer who also offers graphic design and brand development is a good way to ensure all your material, both online and offline, looks professional and consistent.
Try a Direct Mail Campaign
How will you let your customers know your business now has a website if you don't have their email addresses? How can you gather their email addresses so you can keep in touch with them more easily and cost effectively in the future? Get together with your designer and put together an attractive and simple mailer that you can post out to your customers telling them about your new website and asking them to update their details and provide their email address. That way you can build up a database to whom you can send your email campaign on a regular basis.
Choosing a designer that covers web, social media, graphic design and branding is a wise move, because this way you'll have access to the whole package!
