Lately, I’ve been pondering the fact that very few businesses where I live have any idea how to use the Internet to help grow their businesses. It just proves how many people are “ONLINE” but very few users still have actually provided content or managed any communications via the web.
Many small, rural business owners don’t use internet communications in their marketing simply because they truly, DON’T KNOW HOW.
I recently had a conversation with someone who was telling me about a hardware store owner who had a web site and claims that he (or she, I’m not sure) said he never saw anything come of it. He didn’t think it made a difference either way whether he had a web site or not.
Which brings me to my point: IF YOU JUST HAVE A WEB SITE IT WILL NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR BUSINESS.
Having a web site is like having a sign outside your door. Who cares????
I want to yell outside my door so that all can hear, “IT”S WHAT YOU DO WITH YOUR WEB SITE! YOU NEED A PLAN!”
So continue my conversation about the hardware store. I asked, “Did they use any of their traditional advertising communications to drive traffic to their web site for a PURPOSE?” I gave the example of how Home Depot gives “How To” seminars right in their store. Could they provide a similar service in their store, make a video or blog and put that on their web site?” I think so. Could they have their customers sign up for an email at the store for coupons, discounts, sales or special offers?” I think so. Could they introduce new products and offerings about their store? Could they sell other products their store may not carry on their web site? Um, I think so! I could think of a hundred more reasons….
Now, to any web marketing gurus, this seems very common sense. However, what is missing is that there is a HUGE group of small or medium sized business owners who don’t understand how to use their web site for customer loyalty, engagement, advertising measurement, or sales.
My question is, how can we help teach people about the Internet as an effective marketing tool? I think I have an answer: I was thinking that it would be helpful to offer a seminar through community education or the chambers of commerce to thy and help businesses see advantages of web marketing. I think I could write an article for the local newspaper or business publication giving tips and definitions.Any other suggestions? If you’re a small business, I’d love to hear from you.
