The Internet is full of so much information. I have to limit myself because I will get lost searching and discovering new things. Well today I found some new tools to help me in building my business. I cannot wait to implement them. I will be attending a webinar tomorrow for one of them.
It is amazing how the Internet has changed how we do business. Years ago you needed to have printed brochures and other marketing materials to get the word out about your business. But now you can use Facebook and Twitter to communicate with millions of people at a fraction of the cost. Instead of sending them a glossy brochure you send them to your website.
When I started my business ten years ago having a web presence was still an option. I had brochures, post cards, business cards and other printed materials to market my company. I marketed mainly through word of mouth and mailing campaigns. When I revamped the business earlier this year, I found my old brochures and they were not useful anymore. I started to redesign a new one but realized that it really would not be needed. Instead I built a new website that has all the information contained in the brochure.
Eventually I will design some print material, I am just not sure what it will be right now. Presently the only printed materials I have are my business cards and some rack cards that promote one of my workshops. But I don’t give very many of the rack cards away. I do give away business cards. I don’t believe they will ever go out of existence.
I have been complimented on my websites, which I am glad to hear that they are making an impact. I have always strongly believed that you have to have a professional web presence and it should be current. You don’t know how many websites I have visited that have outdated content on them. Many small business owners put up a website with a little content that explains what they are doing and never visit the site again for months. I don’t go any further than the outdated pages and rarely will I return to the site.
Most times I find useful tips and information but sometimes I do end up getting lessons on what not to do. I have learned a lot from other business owners, just like I know others have learned from me. Do your homework, know your competition, know your industry and have a professional web site if you are going to be successful in business.