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Could
your business use a Web site?
You've been thinking about a Web
site. You've heard that a few peers are doing well with their sites and you wonder if it's about time you develop one for your business. And, you've seen newspaper articles stating that you can't afford not to be
on the Web. Hold on right there. Stop. Don't go any further. Contrary to popular belief, the Web is not a cure-all; you won't automatically increase your business 60 percent by
developing a Web site. Before you spend your time and hard-earned money, here are a few things you should ask yourself before you really start thinking about getting your business on the Web:
¨What is my growth plan for my business? Where do I want to be in five or 10 years? ¨Who are my prospective clients? Are they on the Internet? ¨Do I need to improve the way I do business? Or, am I happy with status quo?
¨Is there a more efficient way for clients to gain access to my work samples? ¨Am I ready to "ramp up" my marketing efforts? Do I need a marketing plan? ¨Am I ready to make a commitment to the Web?
Considering these questions before you make the decision to develop a Web site is essential for future success on the Internet. If you aren't clear about where you're headed or why you want to be on the Web,
then you're not ready for Internet presence. A Web site takes commitment to the cause. If you've decided to take the plunge – and you believe in what you're doing - make sure you're committed to spending
the time and effort to keep your site fresh and informational. Know Where You Are Going Once you have a clear idea of where you're headed with your business – and many of you already know – then
it's time to determine what you want a Web site to do for you. Think about the following possibilities. You can:
¨Place some of your work samples on your Web site and cut down on printing costs.
¨Create an electronic brochure of your company and make changes any time you please. ¨Notify your clients automatically every time you update your site. This gives them a reminder and a reason to visit
your site again and again. ¨Post your client newsletter on your site rather than mailing it.
E-mail them with a preview of the newsletter and ask them to come read it, in its entirety, on your site.
These possibilities are just a sampling of things you can do with a Web site. For other ideas, visit www.mpls.net. Build it and they will come? Now you've done all the right things.
Your site is up, you've got your own domain name, and it looks great. In addition, your content is brief, interactive and informational. But you've noticed you aren't getting many visitors to your site and
wonder why. A Web site doesn't market itself – it needs a push and a shove from its creator. It's important to register your site with the major search engines and continue to re-register your site at least
quarterly. But there's countless other ways to draw attention to your Web site, both online and offline:
¨Print your Web site address on your business cards. ¨
Mail a Web site announcement to prospects and clients via e-mail and snail mail. ¨Mention your Web site address on your voice-mail. ¨Advertise your site on pertinent electronic message boards and online discussion groups. ¨Register your site with local, online directories that offer free and fee-based listings.
A Web site helps you deliver better service to your clients and opens the door to a new way of marketing your business. If you have questions about Web development, Internet strategies or just want to talk,
feel free to call MPLS.net at 612-816-MPLS (6757), e-mail us at alicia@mpls.net or visit our site at www.mpls.net. --Alicia VanCleave
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