| Why YOU need a Web site Global Online Populations
Find out the latest statistics on the number of Internet users. Online Retail Sales grew in 2005
Internet spending for 2005 gained 22 percent over 2004 spending. Data released by comScore Networks finds total Internet spending, including travel, hit $143.2 billion in 2005. Most Americans Have PCs and Web Access
Sixty-two million households, or 55 percent of American homes, had a Web-connected computer in 2003, according to just-released U.S. Census data. That's up from 50 percent in 2001, and more than triple 1997's 18 percent figure. 2005 Holiday E-Shopping Exceeds Last Year's
Weekly shopping sessions at online retails rose from 348.3 million in 2004 to 462.5 million in 2005. This is an increase of 33%. Shoppers Shift to Online
Browsing at online retailer sites has increased almost a full hour over the past two years. In 2003, the average shopper spent 2.4 hours shopping online, the 2005 survey records an average of 3.1 hours per week. Twenty-one percent of shoppers count purchases from Internet sites as part of their overall shopping, not a supplement to in-store buys. That's a six-point increase over 2003. |
| Finding new, prospective customers in today?s fast-paced world has become easier than ever before. There are now so many different ways to get out there and "shake a hand" that you shouldn't have any problems finding fifty or even one hundred potential customers each and every month. Now when we say "shake a hand", we're describing any activity where you use your exceptional people skills to introduce yourself and your remarkable Web site product to a new prospect. Although you may not realize it, you encounter great opportunities to "shake a hand" and find new prospective customers every single day. How many times have you walked into a store or office and actually seen the company's URL prominently displayed for customers and visitors? Hardly ever! This is a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to the business owner and share your knowledge of the Internet and e-commerce to help them understand why they need a Web site. How about your cousin from Charlotte that just started his own plumbing business? You want him to succeed, don't you? Why not use your expertise in online marketing and advertising to help ensure that his business does well. Just give him a call and let him know that when he gets a site (and he WILL get a Web site at some point in time), you?ve got a multi-million dollar Web site solution you can give him a great deal on. What about local strip malls and shopping centers? You are almost guaranteed to find dozens of small- and mid-sized businesses that don't have a Web site yet. The best part is that many of these businesses have already looked into buying a site in the past, but just ran into the same problems that most small businesses have-expensive, inflexible Web sites that require way too much money month after month to keep them fresh and up-to-date. Fortunately for them, you have a cost-effective Web site solution that encompasses everything they need to develop a professional, successful online presence, complete with e-commerce functionality. What about the 22.9 million businesses all across the United States? Just open up a phone book for any city in the country, and you have instant access to thousands of businesses that need your help getting online! If you come across an ad in the Yellow Pages that doesn't have a URL posted in the ad, you've just found a business willing to spend money to promote itself, and in desperate need of a Web site. Anyone that is serious about the long-term success of their business should be able to see the value in owning a Web site. If you want to get them thinking about buying a site before you approach them, use this little trick to plant a seed and create a need: call the business posing as a customer and ask them for their Web address; when they say they don't have a Web site, say something like "Really?! That's too bad. I am looking for a part for my sprinkler system, and I was just trying to do some quick comparison shopping from home. I'll just try Lawn and Garden Depot's Web site. Thanks, anyway." When you contact them a few days later about your complete Web site solution, you shouldn't have much trouble getting them to agree to a walkthrough presentation. Still need more ideas on finding prospects? One of the easiest and most effective ways to find new prospects is through networking. Just join a few different business or professional associations in your area, and you will literally find yourself surrounded by local business owners that are very interested in the services you offer. If you can deliver a great Web site at an even better price, your new customers will be more than happy to provide you with an almost endless stream of new business by referring their family, friends, and business associates. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GRB Website Builders is looking for motivated sales professionals, that are looking to supplement their income by selling Websites to businesses. Every business needs a Website. Requirements: Computer with INTERNET access, phone with voice mail (business), great organization and communication skills.
|
Part Time Full Time Work from Home Work Your Hours No Experience Necessary Sales Training Provided Ongoing Sales Support Technical Support Unlimited Income Potential | | |
|
|
Promoting a business on-line was not very popular, even a few years ago. Now, advertising on The World Wide Web is almost commonplace. Businesses are developing Web Pages sometimes just to appear up-to-date. The opportunities are endless! We provide a complete Web Solution to businesses, including: Design, Development, Hosting, Marketing, and Training. Over 30 million businesses still don't have a website, and are yet to join the millions already enjoying the presents on the INTERNET, and millions of businesses that have a Website that does not work for them. To apply, send resume to gbesher@grbwebsites.com , or call 1-617-888-0474
|
“Why every business needs a well-designed Web site!”
You know the reasons why every business needs a Web site. But a new survey by MaCorr Research and 1 & 1 Internet released last week shows that a business should also have a Web site that’s designed well, too! Those surveyed placed particular importance on finding contact information for a business.
Here’s some info you can share with prospective customers who don’t yet see the value in paying slightly higher hosting costs for attentive service, knowledgeable Web site designers and reliable maintenance assistance.
- 91% of consumers surveyed said they are irritated when they can’t find contact information on a Web site. In fact, of those who were irritated, 48% said they were angry enough to tell someone, and 5% said they were brought to tears or violence!
- 77% of Americans report that they would switch to a competitor if a business Web site did not provide ways to communicate, such as contact information.
- 85% surveyed said the ability to contact a business was the most important aspect of using a business’ Web site.
Remember, your Web site solution includes a page dedicated to this vital information—it’s an easy way to ensure people like those surveyed will have a pleasant experience. And the good news is 85% of respondents said they will bookmark a business’ Web site when they have a good experience! So your Web solution can render repeat customers!
The survey also found that 51% of respondents will choose a small- to medium-sized business over a big corporation! People preferred the personal touch of an SMB, according to the results.
“It is therefore vital for SMBs to utilize communication tools to provide that personal attention,” the survey concluded.
And, in case there was any doubt on the matter, a substantial 89% said they expect all businesses to have a Web site, no matter what its size!
You have the power to help small- and medium-sized businesses develop a Web site that guarantees customer satisfaction. Let these survey results lend to your sense of urgency and overall confidence: You’re setting your prospects up for success!
-------
Did you know…
A survey released by Sterling Commerce found that 64% of all respondents went online before making a purchase in the past three months.
57% said the Web is becoming an important touch-point, often serving as a research tool before a store purchase.
These numbers show that the Internet can absolutely work hand-in-hand with traditional shopping methods to turn a small- or medium-sized business into a powerful force! |
Did you know…
A recent Pew Internet and American Life report revealed that: - 66% of Americans have purchased a product via the Internet at one time or another.
- 78% of American Internet users say online shopping is convenient for them.
- 68% feel that online shopping saves time for them.
- 93% of users say they have--at one time or another--done something related to e-commerce. (Used the Internet to research a product, make a purchase, book a flight…)
|
According to eMarketer and a study released late last year by the USC Annnenberg Center for the Digital Future, over 2/3 of US online buyers said that purchasing from the Web reduced their retail store purchases. The number is up from 65% who said so in 2006. The males surveyed spent an average of $377 online in a three-month period and the females averaged $253 online during the same time span! Online buying is only going to become more popular, so small- and medium-sized businesses need to be prepared with e-commerce solutions!
According to an article by Hollis Thomas on ClickZ, ‘over one-half (54.5%) of women say the Internet is their primary source of information when researching products they might purchase.’
This growing demographic will need a way to access your prospect’s business information. If women are unable to find information about your prospect’s product or service, then a growing majority will turn to a competitor for the same thing!
|
Myth: “I don’t need a Web site.” As you know by now, this is an objection that can easily be overcome with some industry-specific benefits. Kitch’s response to this myth is simple: “You’re missing a chance to be open 24/7. Why would you not do that?”
Myth: “The Yellow Pages is all I need.” According to Kitch, more than half of a business’ potential new customers are using online search and directories instead of turning to the phone book. Studies by firms like the Kelsey Group repeatedly show that the physical Yellow Pages are being tossed aside as technology takes the helm.
Myth: “My busine ss is local.”Your prospect has the opportunity to extend its reach to millions of potential customers--why think small? No matter what their industry or location, there is no way an online presence can hurt, and there is no reason that they can’t keep the same personal touch for which SMBs are preferred by many.
Myth: “Being small is a huge disadvantage.” As mentioned above, plenty of consumers favor SMBs. According to Kitch, “By nature, customers would rather deal with a small business.” He advises business owners to embrace their company’s size and use the opportunity to tell their story.
Myth: “This Internet thing is going to be a revolution.” Kitch targets this myth at those who haven’t yet found the value of the Internet or underestimate the millions of people who are already using the Web daily. “Dude, the revolution already happened…anybody who thinks they can worry about the Internet later is completely wrong.”
|
How do you make yourself stand out when others spread the word about you? What do you say when you first meet referrals? How do you answer the question, “What do you do?” Here’s what the experts at Australia’s Flying Solo have to say: “When we meet someone new and they ask what we do, most of us take the easy option and respond with a label: “I’m an accountant…writer…graphic designer” and so on.” Are you stuck in the same rut? If so, you’re making it harder for referrals and leads to remember you! “Labels can get very limiting. With so many new people to meet, it’s very easy for other networkers to get the wrong impression of us anyway, but we add to the problem if we use labels that don’t articulate the true nature of what we do.” The Flying Solo writers have a tip for you: “To focus your attention on the words we use when networking and to boost referrals, I came up with an introductory statement I call the 10-word teaser. It is your opening line when someone asks, “So what do you do?” Does that advice sound familiar? You may have heard the same insight in your WebCenter Trainings! Here are a few examples we suggest using when asked the question, “What do you do?”
“I help businesses leverage the Internet effectively to increase revenues”
“My firm works with businesses to market themselves effectively through the Internet”
“I help businesses cut their advertising costs and save money by effectively leveraging the Internet”
“My company helps businesses expand and grow by effectively leveraging the Internet to increase sales and tap new markets”
Try coming up with your own introductory statement, and use any opportunity to answer “What do you do” with a unique reply that’s sure to spark some interest!
-------
Did you know… Recent findings from eMarketer and Media Audit indicate that cities with universities or colleges have higher populations of Internet users than cities without learning institutions. “College towns topped (Media Audit’s) list of places with the highest number of Internet users,” according to the article. Ann Arbor, Michigan, which is home to the University of Michigan, came in first place with 86% of adults online. Washington, D.C., which also hosts a number of major universities, is in second place with 84% and Colorado Springs, Colo., home of the US Air Force Academy and the University of Colorado, came in third with 83.7%. Are you and your prospects located in a college town? If so, you’re surrounded by people who access the Internet for information—a Web site is mandatory for a small- or medium-sized business to survive! |
|
| Increase Revenue
¨ Open up a virtual storefront that creates an additional sales channel
¨ Sell products online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
¨ Introduce new products to the market faster
¨ Compete with big corporations based on service, price, and quality
¨ Capture the impulse buyer
¨ Accept credit card orders online in real time
¨ Optimize existing advertising (add a .com to ads directing customers to your dynamic, informative Web site)
¨ Expose your business to new markets you may not otherwise reach
¨ Establish credibility with potential customers Decrease Expenses
¨ Create an additional, inexpensive form of advertising that costs less than mail outs, phone book ads, etc.
¨ Automate the sales process
¨ Eliminate costs typically associated with expanding sales--employees, rent, utilities, insurance, etc.
¨ Display your entire inventory without increasing warehousing costs
¨ Drop ship products to reduce inventory levels
¨ Reduce dependency/money spent on traditional advertising media
¨ Update documents and manuals online in one centralized location
¨ Replace mass mail marketing campaigns with bulk e-mail
¨ Make your marketing efforts highly targeted and efficient with e-mails through the Contact Manager and statistical tracking of promotions Improve Customer Service
¨ Provide fast, personalized service to customers
¨ Provide answers to frequently asked questions 24 hours a day
¨ Offer special packages or deals through your Web site
¨ Display testimonials from satisfied customers
¨ Send customers exclusive online coupons or discounts
¨ Allow customers to set appointments online
¨ Facilitate pro-active communication between you and your customers
¨ Respond to customers’ changing demands faster Industry-specific Benefits
One of the most effective ways to help your prospect understand why they need a Web site is to show them exactly how a Web site will benefit their business. The following section provides several examples of industry-specific benefits for various industries that you may want to approach. Take the time to study these benefits, but also try to think of additional ways that a Web site will impact each of these industries. Accounting Firm
¨ List the different services provided - small business, personal, commercial, estate planning, etc.
¨ Post preparer’s credentials
¨ Provide customers with tips and information regarding the latest tax laws
¨ Explain why and how services can assist a customer
¨ List partners and affiliates — enhancing credibility Air Conditioning/Heating
¨ Company profile
¨ Post product line (product catalog)
¨ Post type of services residential/commercial
¨ List product manufacturers
¨ Post warranty
¨ Create a preventative maintenance or product upkeep page
¨ Create a frequently asked questions page regarding products/services
¨ Dedicate a page to the latest in product technology
¨ Conservation of energy page
¨ Online day timer - set appointments, create a to-do list, post upcoming job events (Contact Management Tool)
¨ Create mailing lists (Contact Management Tool, Feedback Tool)
¨ Sub-contract/employment page (Contact Management, Feedback Tool)
¨ Employee of the month
¨ Post a map to business/physical location
¨ Post credentials and city/state licenses Auto Body/Paint Shops
¨ Before and after pictures of cars
¨ Sell salvage cars online
¨ Sell car parts online
¨ Types of paints and materials used
¨ Furnish customers with tips on maintaining their paint, finishes, etc.
¨ Special services like murals, pin striping, window tint, etc.
¨ Let your customers know that your shop works with insurance companies
¨ Post whether or not on-site estimates are available
¨ Post whether or not work is subcontracted out
¨ Attract out-of-towners who commute and work in your town and may not know where to go Beauty Salons/Spas
¨ Online scheduling
¨ Post pictures of happy customers and their hairstyles
¨ Feature each stylist in salon
¨ Post rates
¨ Promote hair shows, bridal packages
¨ Feature seasonal packages, offer discounts for online customers
¨ Sell hair care products online
¨ Feature ancillary services offered by the salon such as facials, nail care, etc.
¨ Use site to acquire new stylists
¨ Provide hair, skin and nail care tips Consignment Store
¨ Supports both types—where the objective is to acquire additional merchandise and where the objective is to sell more merchandise
¨ Acquire merchandise—post which items are/are not acceptable, seller’s percentage, and any applicable store policies
¨ Sell merchandise—display a wide selection of merchandise retail customers can expect to find through the store; feature any unusual items which may interest collectors; run promotions offering an additional discount to retail customers who mention Web site; shoppers can request an item specifically—if not available, request can be posted on the Web, then sold to the retail customer when located; charge customers an extra fee to post the products they consign on Web site Employment Agency
¨ One of the most popular uses for the Internet
¨ Attract companies who need to search for employees
¨ Post an online application
¨ Search for potential employees
¨ List areas of specialization (e.g. engineering, marketing, technical)
¨ Post top 10 companies looking for employees
¨ Tips for preparing resumes
¨ Interviewing advice
¨ Provide a map to office for interviews
¨ Easy transfer of correspondence from companies to Web site
¨ Prospect out of state—not limited to local market
¨ Job hunters can e-mail requests for employment by using the Feedback page on the Web site Mortgage Company
¨ Post prime interest rates
¨ Make recommendations for property appraisers
¨ Provide information for first-time buyers
¨ Feature approved lenders
¨ Pre-approve clients online through Web site
¨ Set up e-mail for referral business
¨Implement online questionnaire for pre-qualification purposes
¨ Provide perspective clients with your company’s profile, credentials, etc. Non-Profit Organizations
¨ History of the organization—how and why it was founded, etc.
¨ Attract additional members
¨ Save money on extra software tools and other computer management systems by utilizing features like the Contact Management System
¨ Save money on direct mail, dedicate a page to online donations
¨ Sell tickets to special events
¨ Feature organization’s mission statement
¨ Specify how the monies are allocated (what percentage of donations go to cause)
¨ Highlight past accomplishments—success stories
¨ Feature a monthly/current project, state future goals and objectives
¨ List affiliates and/or satellites, thank and highlight prominent contributors Office Maintenance/Maid Service/Janitorial Service
¨ List bond certification and qualifications
¨ Devote a page to testimonials from most satisfied clients/ customers
¨ Provide customers with rate information
¨ Online scheduling
¨ Coupons for new and referral clients
¨ Post service area
¨ Companies can send you a bid for services using the Feedback page
¨ Feature special cleaning products for environmentally conscious clients Optometrists
¨ Sell eyeglasses and contact lenses online
¨ List health insurance providers to reduce number of telephone inquiries
¨ Physician profile—post credentials—increase credibility
¨ Provide a “wear care” page for patients (caring for your contact lenses, etc.)
¨ Online scheduling for patients
¨ Provide the latest information on radial keratotomy
¨ Provide referrals to qualified ophthalmologists/surgeons Painting/Photography/Design/Artists
¨ Display work on Web site
¨ Sell your work 24 hours a day, seven days a week
¨ Receive special requests for work/ consignments/ commissions
¨ Provide pertinent background information
¨ Feature any specialty work such as mural painting, faux finishing, etc. Pool Cleaning
¨ Feature services offered
¨ Sell products like skimmers, heaters, and chlorine
¨ Provide helpful tips for preventative maintenance of pool cleaning
¨ Address frequently asked questions (Why acid baths? Why clean my pool? The proper pH balance for pool water, etc.)
¨ Furnish pool safety tips and emergency information
¨ Provide referrals to affiliates/partners like pool contractors and designers
¨ Customers can e-mail questions or problems
¨ Outline service area, request appointments Restaurants
¨ Online reservations, post menus
¨ Photograph of restaurant/staff and best dishes
¨ Profile exceptional chef and his/her credentials
¨ Feature dinner and lunch specials
¨ Tribute to employee(s) of the month
¨ Provide a map to restaurant location
¨ Promote catering services
¨ Special events scheduling
¨ Provide an online tour of special facilities (banquet, private dining room)
¨ Provide online coupon
¨ Customers can place orders for take-out or delivery Retail
¨ E-commerce capable; sell products 24 hours a day, seven days a week
¨ Post special product promotions
¨ Develop an extensive product list with thousands of items
¨ Develop affiliate relationships and partnerships
¨ Use Contact Management Tool to e-mail notification of sales and promotions
¨ Provide an online coupon that retail customers can print out and carry into the actual store Veterinarians/Pet Hotels/Walkers/Sitters
¨ Banner exchanges with local pet stores and kennels, humane society, SPCA
¨ Sell ointments, leashes, eye drops, etc.
¨ Put online live video of dogs/cats in kennel so that pet owners can see their pets while on a trip
¨ Display vet’s resume and credentials
¨ Tell special stories (“I rescued a cat...”)
¨ Display rates, services offered
¨ Offer a “classifieds” area where customers can advertise (Free to good home, etc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|