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By Shannon Mullins, eDistrict
Everything they have been saying is true. The Internet is officially a marketplace, not just another form of media. Your next-door neighbor did all her Christmas shopping over the Internet to avoid the holiday crowds. Your brother found his trusted business consultant in a regional search on Yahoo!
Welcome to business today. Your competitors are doing more business on the web than ever before. It may be time to consider an upgrade on your business model.
This is where you object. "But my company already has a web site." Do you have a good web site? Are you making more money? Have you actually shopped your own site? How was the experience, really?
Doing business on the Internet is about more than just having a web site. Just as in any other marketplace, the Internet requires a marketing strategy. Frankly, a better-than-average marketing strategy requires better-than-average tools.
Have you compared your site to what's out there lately? One of the greatest investments in today's economy is a well-designed and easy to shop position on the web.
Great. Where do we start?
First, take the time to establish a budget for your new site. Remember that you are investing in an additional form of revenue, and be prepared to invest substantially. This is not a new copy-machine. This is a new marketplace.
Second, do some comparison-shopping for web-development companies in your area. Ask about their range of services. Take a look at what they have accomplished for their clients to date. Depending on the size and scope of your project, different kinds of firms will work best for your company.
The last thing may be the most important. Hiring a web-development team based solely on price is a bad idea. The old adage is true. "You get what you pay for." Pay attention to the attitudes of the web-developers you are choosing between. If you are already having a hard time reaching them, it will be that much harder when they have made the sale.
Update your business model. Chances are, when it's all said and done, you'll be updating your revenue stream, too.
For more information or questions regarding web development, you may reach Shannon Mullins at eDistrict Inc. by telephone at 805-557-9992 or by email at smullins@edistrict.com. You may also visit eDistrict on the web at www.edistrict.com.
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