It is proven that the internet is now the ultimate resource to reach more people in less time compare to other marketing media. Business owners from small companies to big companies can get their business online and thus in the global marketplace. There are seven ways on how to put your business online.
1. DO IT YOURSELF
If you have technical knowledge and you have the time on your hands then you can start building a site for your own business. This is a great way of putting your business online, a site that of course suit your business.
Advantages:
It saves money.
You will not be paying someone to work for it.
You have full control of the site.
You can do some changes or add something on your site anytime.
Disadvantages:
Many business owners don’t have that in-depth knowledge to effectively develop all the essential components of their website.
Some lack knowledge of how to write effective web copy that encourage sales as well as key phrases or keywords for search engine optimization (SEO).
They are not versed in layout designs that increase accessibility and functionality.
They do not have hours to invest in research, development and implementation of a business web site since they also manage their business.
They do not know how to effectively market the site after the design.
Outcome:
As an outcome, business owner builds a site that brings no result. It’s just a creation that only the owner appreciates. Because of the lack of expertise and time they miss the crucial elements of building a web site. Though the cost was not much more than merely registration of a domain name, purchasing of software, hosting fees and time, it cost the owner thousands of loss time and sales.
2. FAMILY AND FRIENDS
There are business owners who have family and friends that knows web design and have some experience but there are only few who fully understand the gist of developing a business site and how it interacts online.
Advantages:
The price of designing the site is minimal.
You have some technical knowledge to design and manage your site.
You already have personal bond with the designer.
Disadvantages:
Since it’s not a high paying or a no paying job, they tend to not put much effort and time same with a full paying job.
The development of good copy and functional design will be lacking since the knowledge of the friend or family may not be as much as the business owner. After the completion of the design, there are no further marketing of the site.
Outcome:
The results are same with the first one, (do-it-yourself). Without any expertise in web design and internet marketing, the site will bring no result and thus waste time and money.
3. TEMPLATES AND SITE BUILDERS
The newest trend in the web design are templates and template driven site builders. Business owners search templates and can download it anytime. They can also do the easy process which can cause them to be online in a short period of time
Advantages:
It is low priced along with hosting fast designs.
You can have a visually appealing design, structured of course by a professional web designer.
It is easy to put and publish information.
You can manage the site and can do any changes
Disadvantages:
It is non-exclusive. Meaning, your site will not be unique. It is possible that one of your competitors is also using the same template. Being in a business, it is important to be unique.
Your site will not be optimized.
There are no way of catching targeted browsers to visit your site right after the design got published.
Outcome:
Your website will be visually appealing with template design. The structure is functional too. The real challenge now is how to get people visit your site.
4. DIRECTORIES
There are business owners that rely on online directories. They put their contact details and a brief description of what they are offering. It is moderately inexpensive though the owner is simply relying on the merit that the site has many visitors interested in your offers and you only have less number of competitors on that site.
5. FREE LANCER OR EMPLOYEE
Many businesses have dedicated employee that tends to work for their webmaster’s needs. They work on a salary basis and they can perform a lot of functions within your organization. You can set a budget for your project and propose this budget to freelancers. There are many highly qualified designers who are looking for work and will do everything to stand up a job within your budget.
Advantages:
Knowledgeable and Professional people will be the ones working on your site and within your set budget.
It frees up your time to do your business.
Disadvantages:
There’s a risk of how knowledgeable and dependable the freelancer is.
You will only get what was proposed on within their skill set.
Outcome:
As a result, you will be having a good quality website. By being specific with your needs and if you have the budget, there will be a great return of investment.
6. WEB DESIGN FIRM
It is indeed a smart decision if you hire a web design company that are into business development. They all have the expertise and the knowledge. They concentrate on developing a website for your business.
Advantages:
Professional web designers are knowledgeable on developing a site that really sells.
It frees up your time to do your business.
Disadvantages:
There’s a risk in selecting a reliable web design company who will do quality job. There are some firms who are unethical after the payment.
There are some design firms that after the completion of the design, they will leave your project and let you market it.
Outcome:
As a result, a professionally designed website is created with functional structure and essential elements in generating your business. Many design firms have people versed in marketing to give you tips on how to create traffic to your site. This will be priced higher than the other methods but surely will bring great results.
7. eMARKETING FIRM
Employing services from an eMarketing firm is the final way to get your business online. Firms like these provide you an online solution customized to your business model which includes web development, online software application and Internet marketing. This is considered the most expensive out of the seven methods at the same time the most complete solution for most business that needs to establish an effective online presence.
Advantages:
Your website will be developed by a team of knowledgeable professionals.
You will develop a business site with sales copy, search engine optimization and a marketing strategy to generate targeted visitors to your site.
It frees up your time to do business.
There will be staff of experts that will keep track with all the changes in the online marketplace.
You will have a marketing plan for your online strategy.
Disadvantage:
It is more expensive than the other methods.
Outcome:
Rest assured you will have a professionally designed website with effective structure and components to generate business. You will also have marketing strategies. You will gain Return on Investment (ROI) in a shorter period of time.
If you need assistance on how to put your business online, you can collaborate with PhilWebServices Global Solutions Inc. It is a company that is based in Philippines that specializes in web design and development and in technology sector.
PhilWebServices Global Solutions Inc. offers extensive experience and technical expertise to help you recognize, tap and take advantage of every possible opportunity to propel your business’ success.