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Page 4 of 4
Blog
A blog is another quick way to get online quickly and inexpensively (If you
are unfamiliar with what a 'blog' is, go to: http://web.ask.com/web?q=blog&qsrc=0&o=0;
or check out mine as a sample www.kleobell.com). Blogs provide a less formal
way to communicate with your potential clients, while still reinforcing your
services and brand. The key to a successful blog, however is keeping it up…that
means, blogging on a regular basis—there is debate out there on 'the best'
frequency, but if nothing ever changes, no one will come back.
There are tons of sites offering free or low cost blogging capabilities and
you really don't even have to have a domain name, you can just use the 'free'
one that comes with your account. Some free sites include: www.blogger.com,
www.blogsome.com. Some low cost sites
are: www.typepad.com,
www.movabletype.com (both by sixapart.com).
These are just a few, there are many out there.
| Pros |
Cons |
|
Quick, easy and very inexpensive
It is informal and comments allow for A conversation of sorts with visitors
You can incorporate advertising on your site For products you sell or recommend
or Through programs like AdSense (depending on The blog service you use) |
Frequent updates are necessary to make it worthwhile
May not be appropriate for some businesses (although creative applications
can apply anywhere!)
If you don't like any of the standard templates, customization may be necessary. |
Hybrid Website
A 'hybrid' is some combination of any of the above elements, for example, you
hire a professional to set up the site, but you handle all maintenance, and
you have a blog; or you do the layout yourself on a wysiwyg, and have an office
person maintain it; or you hire someone to come up with the design, then have
it set-up through a CMS and you and various staff maintain the site; etc…
This, for some, is a great option that can incorporate the elements of each
'way to get online' that best suit your organizations needs. Ultimately, no
matter how you choose to get online, some 'hybrid' of the ways listed above
will more than likely be involved.
| Pros |
Cons |
|
| Incorporates only the elements that best suit you needs |
None, unless all you need is a blog, this is a great Organization
option! |
Things to Consider
When making your decision there are three main things to take into consideration.
First, the goals of the site---what is the purpose of your web presence—this
will allow you to focus content and functionality (see: Small
Business Website Content: What Should Be on Your Website). Second, appearance;
as much as we hate to admit it, what we look like effects how others react to
us, the same goes for your site. By keepingthe look and feel of your site consistent
with other branding and image tools not only makes you 'look' better, but reinforces
who your organization is, what they do and how they do it. And, of course, cost.
Plan your budget for the site, including upkeep, that way you won't be surprised
by the 'cost' of your site.
Get Online!
Remember, you don't want to be one of the 53% of business owners missing out
on getting your product or service in front of those 70% of US adults researching
their next purchase. A simple evaluation of the purchasing process demonstrates
the importance the web has on influencing purchasing decisions—if your
not there, your not getting considered by much of the population.
There are several ways to get your own online presence, so start the process
today! If you don't know where to begin, download "How
to Get a Web site: 9 Steps to An Online Presence," and we'll see you on the
web!
Kelly Biedny is the owner of Kleobell Creative Business Solutions (www.kleobell.com),
helping small businesses become THE source for products or services for their
customers. She has worked as a professional communicator and designer since
1994, primarily in the association sector. Kelly's areas of expertise include
branding/image development, communication/marketing, web development and project
management.
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