Happy New Year!  Oh no, it's almost 1/12th gone already! Here are 3 important questions to ask yourself while there is still time to get on the path to a successful 2011. 

1.  Do you have a website?

There is simply no excuse not to have a web presence for your business. The Internet is mainstream now and people of all ages are using it. 

Consider that:

• A professional web presence lends credibility to your business.
• A website address adds value to other marketing venues.
• A website gives the prospective customer a place to learn about who you are and what you do.  People do business with people they know, like and trust.
• A website continues the relationship with existing customers to build loyalty.

Several years ago I was speaking with a potential client about a website for his business.  He just didn't see the value because he had hundreds of customers and more work than he knew what to do with. His arguments seemed very compelling.

Then the economy tanked.

Don't wait.  If you don't have a website, get one now. 

2.  Is your website up-to-date?

Does it reflect the current state of your business ? It is important to add fresh content to your site now and then to keep it from getting stale.  

You should update your site whenever you:

• offer new products or services
• change prices or shipping policies
• change hours, staff or contact information
• have anything of value you want to share with your customers

Search Engines like current, relevant content.  So do your customers.

3.  Is your website just sitting there?

Too many people subscribe to the idea of "If you build it they will come."  Unfortunately this only works in the movies.  You have to continually attract and lead people to your site.  Using your website together with other marketing methods such as print, email marketing or social media is the way to go. 

The choices are overwhelming, but the good news is that you don't have to do them all.  Choose one or two that seem right for your customer base or the customers you want to attract and start there.  You also need to factor in whether you have the time or resources to keep what ever you choose going.

Remember - your website is a marketing tool - not your marketing plan. 

Bottom Line:  Get a website, keep it current and market it!

If you need help in determining what the best solutions are for your business and/or need help putting them into place, give me a call.  I'll be glad to discuss with you - in Plain English  - what to do next.