Part 1 in a multi-part series sponsored by Microsoft Office Live Small Business. The series is designed to help small business owners get on the Web and use their Web sites effectively. This first video focuses on creating impactful online strategies. Having an Internet presence is vital because of the role it plays in how customers find and research products and services. Many consumers leverage the internet to check the legitimacy of a small business. A few initial considerations in creating a successful web presence – Web Site Design Needs What will be the primary use for my Web site? – Web Site Promotion Where will I promote my Web site? – Web Site Monitoring How will I maintain my site and monitor performance? Determine your type of Web site – Business Showcase Web site – primarily used to showcase your products and services to new and existing customers. Generally supports a physical business location. – Online storefront – Used if you have products or services you can sell online. Requires an e-commerce enabled web site. – Action Oriented Web Site – Needs to generate some type of customer action. Doesn’t have to be an online sale – can be a telephone inquiry, online form submission, reservation booking or service appointment. Measuring Your Success – Setting Expectations Having a Web site can significantly fortify your business’s credibility. However simiple creating one won’t automatically increase your business. – Monitoring Visitor Interaction Monitoring Web site traffic will give you first hand knowledge of how visitors are interacting with your Web site.

Duration : 0:9:19

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