Internet Strategy for Small Businesses

You have this superb idea of having a website of your own and you are eager to go to put those ideas into action. But as you get down to work for converting your idea in reality, the challenges involved in getting it done may overwhelm you and suck away half of the enthusiasm. Believe me setting up a business is no cakewalk even with years of experience.

Here is how to go ahead.

PLANNING:

Be thorough. Even though you know what you want, write it out. Keep a notepad and a pen by your side to note down important ideas, information. Make a list of the tasks for each day and cross them out when done. This is the most satisfying time

• Why an I doing it? (Money, success, to make friend, to share information)
• Where to begin? (Totally online?)
• How to do it? (Myself or some vendor)
• What is the best way to do it? (Translates to reading and gaining a lot of knowledge)

Why Do You Need a Website?

Small established local businesses always ask this question.

It's a well established fact that customers, especially in the US, check products online before entering a store to make a purchase. Small businesses or relatively unknown businesses can benefit out of this.

Web usage in US is huge. An average surfer spends 38 hours per month from his home and visits an amazing 65 domains every month. So he is not just replying to emails, he is searching or browsing. And that's where your business comes in.

125 Million Websites Out There, Do You Stand A Chance?

Of course you do have a chance and you can get your share of the online business. Just do all the things correctly. Analyze your business and client behaviors and plan accordingly.

BUT make sure your website stands out either in product, offer or search engines.

Niche websites have a greater chance of doing well. If you have a remarkable business idea, create a demand for your product through the internet. Let people talk about it.

If you have a general business about which you think nothing is remarkable, concentrate on local search engine, local press and local offers. You will be amazed at the results.

What Type Of Website Should You Have?

Generally, business websites can be divided into two categories:

• Ecommerce and
• Service websites.

Ecommerce websites have a list of products along with a shopping cart and online credit card purchasing that allows a visitor to visit the site, browse the products and complete purchase.

Service websites just list their services along with additional information and a contact mail or number.

Do a lot of research on what you want your website to be. Conduct a thorough research of customer behavior for your related product. Talk to experts, ask on forums. Do a market analysis that identifies the internet market size for your product or service. Only then, you can come to a conclusion about the type of website you need.

You'll have the following options:
1. An information site (a type of article site, or an ezine?)
2. An e-commerce site
3. A combination of both?
4. A service site with call to action
5. Info cum service site?
6. Just a blog
7. A forum

These issues will help determine the orientation and budget of your website.
So get you notepad and pens out…

Ajay Prasad is founder of Global Marketing Resources LLC that runs a number of ecommerce websites under it's umbrella. Ajay's functional expertise includes website strategy, marketing management, business development, consumer research, market analysis and strategic planning. GMRWebTeam is an Orange County Website Design company that aims to develop an overall website strategy for your site.