Business advertising and the internet

[mdvaden]

how much does the internet influence your decision as to which equipment to look at, demo and in-turn purchase?

 

That sounds more like a new thread. Because there is a bunch of stuff I can think of to include for your question.

 

It's related, but seems worthy of it's own discussion.

[mdvaden]

Personally id say joomla is a bit bulky if all your after is a few simple pages informing people what your about, services you provide, location etc. Its also not the easist content management systems to use.

 

 

Yes ... it's amazing how simple the sites can be.

 

Barely a few hundred dollars or pounds anymore to get something decent for the first few pages up and running.

[Steve Bullman]

That sounds more like a new thread. Because there is a bunch of stuff I can think of to include for your question.

 

It's related, but seems worthy of it's own discussion.

 

yep we'll keep this one strictly to the original topic please

[nailer]

There will be a link to this page from a website builders` forum, and they will all be bitching about us not wanting to use a professional and doing it ourselves cause we're too tight!, LOL!!

 

You can bet on it.

 

I was tempted to do my own for about 10 mins. Then I got a professional to do it. Exactly what I wanted, first time. No hassle. Cost a day`s turnover, or half the price of a business directory ad that no-one reads.

 

Most domestic customers seem to sort out all their household chores while at work, sat in front of their computer.

[Mr Ed]

You can bet on it.

 

I was tempted to do my own for about 10 mins. Then I got a professional to do it. Exactly what I wanted, first time. No hassle. Cost a day`s turnover, or half the price of a business directory ad that no-one reads.

 

Most domestic customers seem to sort out all their household chores while at work, sat in front of their computer.

 

Nick, Whoever did yours (and does the current management) did a very very good job, as your site comes top of the listings for the manchester area. It also looks really clean and simple.

[nailer]

Thanks Ed - I recommend him.

 

I have come across other web designers. Very few have the techno know - how and the artistic flair of a graphic designer. The link to his site is at the foot of my pages.

 

I`ve jazzed it up recently; more focus on customer benefits, and less on features. The Blog page is also new.

[mdvaden]

As using a website as an advertising tool is all very new to me, tbh I tend to let it run on its own, maybe not the best approach. The reason behind having my site was to allow clients to see services offered rather than do a printed brochure. I have not pushed or promoted the site to its true potential, which is something I must look into. As for optomizing, I honestly wouldnt know where to start!!

 

I think your reason for the site is one of the best reason for a website.

 

And as years progress, it will become apparent to people that optimizing for search results may become the most futile reason for a website in a big city. Emphasis on "big city".

 

In looking in my server files, I see that a page is still stored online, check this page if interested:

 

WEBSITE TRAFFIC INFORMATION

 

Similar to what I posted earlier, but more long-winded

 

Cheers

[treequip]

The all pervasive internet is your friend and giving a good (easily memorable) URL prominence on vehicle advertising will often serve as a point of first contact.

 

Much better chance of someone remembering a punchy URL than a phone number where they would have much less chance of catching your phone number in the same way.

 

Andy

[Mac McLennan]

I'm just updating my site at the moment. I just fill in the empty boxes (pictures and text) and hey presto. Costs about £30 a year.

 

http://www.trees247.co.uk

Edited November 7, 2008 by Mac McLennan

[Marko]

Next time you get a new yellow pages delivered just take a look what is put out for the recycling collection the following week.... tons and tons of paper directories still in their vacuum sealed wrapper!!!. Whether we like it or not people are using the internet as the first port of call for finding the contact details even for businesses that they are familiar with.

 

I long since stopped paying for any newspaper ads, paper flyers or paper based "directories" as I suspect most go straight into the bin and the cost is astronomical compared to the web.

 

I do however pay (very very small sums) for weblinks on the sensible "on topic" directories which give me two benefits - 1) Conventional business leads and 2) an increased google ranking for my own website as the crawlers see high ranking 'on topic' websites are linking to my pages.