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Building a Web Presence : TIP #1 - Less is More

If you have a business - no matter how large or small - you should have a website. Think of your web presence as a sales person who is working 24 hours a day 7 days a week generating exposure for your business - but doesn't ask for commission.

TIP #1 Less is more:

Lately a lot of web developers will try and steer you away from having static information based "Brochure Websites." They tell you that websites need to have powerful functionality - and that they should create a collaborative work environment with your customer (much like the Digitalprint.net site).

While websites like this can be phenomenal it's not always necessary to go this far. For most businesses - a simple description of your services along with contact information may be all you need.

Some companies make the mistake of building too ambitious a website right from the get go.The day to day maintenance becomes too much to manage. If neglected, an ambitious site easily falls into decay - leaving those involved discouraged with the whole experience. Rather than building a collossal site right away - start simple- let your site evolve, add functionality as you need it.

Instead of trying to build a blockbuster supersite- try and determine exactly what you need. A brochure website can be quite effective depending on your needs. Often, all you need is a very sparse online presence that simply tells visitors who you are and what you do (and most importantly - how to contact you). Consider the alternatives:

1. Having an ambitiously large web site that falls into decay because of its unmanageability.
2. Having no web presence whatsoever.

When you consider the alternatives - having a small, elegant online presence that describes your business and/or services can go a long way. Try and resist the urge to do it yourself - and resist getting your wiz kid nephew to do it for a stack of hockey cards. A web site is a permanent (and highly valuable) addition to your company - getting the help of a professional is a sound investment.

If you have any questions regarding your existing website or you would like to build a new web presence contact Mark in the Digitalprint.net Web Development department:
markb@digitalprint.net
phone: (416)924-9634x221

Next week's Tip:
How do I drive traffic to my site?