Frequently Asked Questions

Be found when your customers look for you. If you customers want to buy pizza, insurance, or a bike - they look to the web first. You must have a strong web presence or they'll find your competition instead.

No. You can actually have a strong web presence without even having a website. Web presence means your business gets found when potential customers come looking. There are many ways your business can be found online without a website - all of the major search engines list local businesses in yellow page style listings. These listings allow you to provide much more information than traditional phone book listings.

It depends on your business situation. If you're in a competitive market then a full website is probably needed to stay competitive. But if you haven't done anything with the web and have limited time or funds- hiring a web designer probably shouldn't be your first step. Your first step should be getting your business found on the web and providing your customers with the information they're looking for.

Many businesses hire a web design firm for thousands of dollars and yet not see any more business as a result. That's because your customers and potential customers aren't using the web to visit your "pretty" site or learn more about your company - they are looking for information. If you don't quickly provide them with the info they want they'll go elsewhere.

It varies by industry, but they're looking for the same things they call or stop in to ask. If you are a pizza shop they are looking for a menu, phone number, directions, coupons, and delivery info. Customers of service industries such as insurance or plumbers are looking for prices, services offered, and reviews.

If your competition is easily providing this info you are at a great disadvantage. If they're not, the opportunity is there for you to dominate your market on the web. Everyday more people start searching for local products and services - make sure you are there when they come looking.

Because your customers are searching for you - if they don't find you, they find your competition. But customers aren't just searching, they are buying. Studies have shown that when a person searches for a local business they are ready to buy. If a person searches for "insurance in Boston" or "pizza in Portsmouth" you can bet they are looking to make a purchase. These are the customers you most need to get in front of.