New Decade. New Website.

Many of us have come across the websites of well respected companies and find that they appear to be untouched relics from the company’s first launch online many years ago. What does that tell us about that company? Does it say “We cared at one point, but don’t see the web as a valid tool anymore?” or even “We’re on the verge, and don’t see any reason to attract new customers?”

Have you thought about how your customers and potential customers perceive your company because of your “dated” website? Take a look at your website, and peruse it as a customer or prospective customer may. Can you tell when the last update or new “look” took place?

If not, then maybe it is time for an update.

Your website speaks volumes to your customers, and your neglect to keep it regularly updated does as well.

It is encouraged that you give your site a new look every 1-3 years. This allows you to stay on focus with your customers, but still change your site as your company changes.

Take a look back over the past 3 years. In what ways has your company changed? Have you grown and added additional services or locations? Has your product line changed drastically? These are all things to consider when you choose to update your site.

A new look, and a freshly updated site reminds your customers of the company they grew to trust, and show your potential customers who you truly are.

If it's time to update your website, call us today to set up an appointment!

3 Components of Internet Advertising (Part 3 of 3)

Social Media Marketing

Social Media Marketing is the new kid on the block as far as Interactive Advertising is concerned, but it is increasing exponentially in popularity. Popular networking sites including Myspace, Facebook and Twitter are social media most commonly used for socialization and connecting friends, relatives, and employees. Social media marketing is particularly attractive to marketers simply because it encourages a high degree of interaction with consumers and is relatively inexpensive. It's also hugely popular, with Facebook currently exceeding 350 million active users on global basis with 3.5 billion pieces of content being shared a week. Twitter claims 25 million users that posted 27.3 million tweets per day in 2009.

Social media offers a venue for word-of-mouth communication for the new decade, that allows consumers to share their experiences with your product with thousands of people in an instant.

By creating a social media marketing program, companies can closely monitor what consumers are saying about your brand and, more importantly, actively respond to negative word-of-mouth. It's also very appealing to businesses with small marketing budgets since it is inexpensive to publicize promotions and company news via social media when compared to using traditional media (T.V., radio, print, etc.).

Although social media is great for creating a dialogue between company and consumers, businesses must be prepared to give up control of the message. Businesses should go into this type of marketing ready to confront negative messages that users might generate.

SEO, Internet advertising and social media marketing are all important components to fostering your online presence. But just like traditional advertising you need to fully understand your marketing and business objectives before launching off into this apparently vast space.