Really!! Lets take a look at that.  The vast majority of businesses large and small expect far too much from their website without giving any time, resources or finance to it. If a company spends an initial 3k on a website what should they expect from it? Well if that’s 3k with ongoing efforts and contributions to the site, social media, online marketing and a site that is well designed; quite a lot!!

 

Lets look at what normally leads to a site underperforming.

 

  • Joe Blow & Partners accountants decide they want to upgrade their website (good)

 

  • They set out what they would like for version 1 of the site, which will contain all the nice commercial aspects of their   business, the information about the partners, Links to their Linked-In, twitter and facebook pages, that they have been in business since Jesus was a child etc etc.

 

  • Online marketing, a blog, and maybe some interactive elements such a database where clients can access relevant information will be discussed after the site goes live for version 1.1.

 

  • The design process starts and after some good design concepts delivered, the web designers advice is ignore and an average safe one is chosen (Its an accounting firm after all)

 

  • The content gets delivered 15 minutes before the site goes live.

 

  • The average site goes live to much fanfare and back slapping.

 

  • Version 1.1 doesn’t happen…. Twitter bird does not leave his perch, nor do they get a single “like” on Facebook, and they are fully Linked-In to the class of 1990 but no one else.

 

  • 12 months later after many phone calls to arrange a meeting for version 1.1 a call is returned to find out why they are not getting any leads from their website.

 

  • Cue the jumping up and down and hair pulling.

 

 

 

Lets now look at what can happen (and does)

 

  • Joe Blow & Partners accountants decide they want to upgrade their website (good)

 

  • They set out what they would like for version 1 of the site, which will contain all the nice commercial aspects of their business, the information about the partners, Links to their Linked-In, Twitter and facebook pages, that they have been in business since Jesus was a child etc etc.

 

  •  Online marketing, a blog, and maybe some interactive elements such a database where clients can access relevant information will be discussed after the site goes live for version 1.1.

 

  • The firm decides that as their web partner we understand the requirements and how best to show their brand online. We provide the client with designs, some further deign meeting take place, minor tweaks are made and the build process begins.

 

  • The content is delivered in a timely manner which allows for better content navigation to be set up and the site gets built on time and on budget.

 

  • The site goes live to much fanfare and back slapping.

 

  • Once the site gets indexed by the search engines a meeting is set up to discuss next steps.

 

  • A social media strategy is decided upon and relevant people are given the authority to “speak”  online on behalf of the company.

 

  • A blog is added to the website, and one new piece of content is added every week.

 

  • The database is decided against but e-marketing is introduced, a sign up form is added to the website.

 

  • Joe Blow & Partners are getting ongoing reports into how their website is performing and what areas are generating traffic. These reports are explained at the monthly web meeting.

 

  • Online marketing (Search Engine Optimisation) begins on some areas that Joe Blow & partners specialise in.

 

  • The amount of relevant website visitors continues to build as the ongoing use of social media, blogging and SEO bears fruit.

 

  • Increased relevant web site visitors equals increased inquiries.

 

 

In the second scenario there is far more involvement from the client, they are putting their time and effort into using the website as a sales tool. They also understand they do not know web design, social media, or online marketing as well as their web company so they are happy to take on board ideas and suggestions. They have incorporated the online experience fully Into how they do business, not just an online brochure.

 

We have had potential customers say to us in the past, “if I spend 5 grand with you, will it deliver the same sales as one of my reps”… NOOOOO of course it won’t, if it did why would you have sales reps in the first place. Be realistic; you get what you give, if you have a website that is well deigned, well coded, gives users the information they need when and where they need it, if you put time, effort and finance into social media and online marketing then you will get a good return on your investment, if you have a nice brochure site it won’t do you any harm but it won’t set the sales board on fire.

 

Websites and social media are now part of the sales & support process, if you have a meeting or a sales pitch you can be pretty much guaranteed your audience has checked you out, and already they have an opinion of you or your company before you walk in the room. You control what that opinion is. Get involved in your companies Website

 

Involved = Time, Resources & Financial.

 

If you would like to know more about how we can help your business get their message across and sell more, drop me a line on 01 2934800.