Quick Guide
56 ASK ENGAGE
Quick Guide
HOW TO PART 6
Choose the right website for your business
Not all
businesses need a website but many find there are huge benefits to having one. Not only can a website bring a company new customers but it can also enhance a business’ s reputation In this issue engage’ s Colette Machado looks at how to find the right website for your business. If you do have a website it is important to be aware that this is your shop window. This is where potential customers will form their first opinions of your business. It is therefore extremely important to make sure that the website you design, or preferably have designed for you by a professional web designer, looks professional, is free from mistakes, is user-friendly( easy to navigate) and generally does your business justice. I actually believe it is better to not have a website than to have one that is poorly designed, has poor colour choices and is full of mistakes.
What type of website does your business require? To establish the type of website you need for your business or, in fact to decide whether you need one at all, you must know what your business objectives are:
• Do you want a website where customers can buy from it or do you want one that is solely for promoting the services of your business and gaining more customers?
• Are your potential customers – local or nation-wide? A domestic cleaning company operating in a specific area of north London would probably not need a website as much as a bricklaying firm that will travel across London or beyond, for its clients.
It is also worth finding out whether your potential customers use the internet and computers. If not, you could be wasting your time and money setting up a website.
If you have a business – become more visible – register it Free on www. engagemagazine. co. uk Larger organisations want to work with Diverse Suppliers.
Business websites fall into two categories: customer-focused websites and sales-orientated websites. Customer-focused websites This type of website generates leads for your company. The website is similar to a catalogue or brochure as it generally promotes your services including your prices and other useful information. Sales-orientated websites This type of website focuses on sales and therefore has the ability to take payments on the site. Customers can look at your products and services on the internet and place orders. You will need to obtain the relevant information and advice about online transactions for this type of website.
Different types of websites Micro website: This type of website usually consists of one or two web pages. It can be extremely simple and inexpensive to create and therefore very effective for a small business that simply wants potential customers to know basic information about the business. It includes directions, and contact information. engage | uk ISSUE SIX 2008