Advice for Small Businesses

The Basics of Online Networking

Tom Ossa, Rockland Web Design

Each week ProMetroNet brings you valuable advice relevant to your business, courtesy of Core Group members in a variety of professions.

Thomas Ossa
Rockland Web Design
May 20, 2008

Chase Bank says it best: "The Right Relationship is Everything". Sometimes it makes more sense to not even advertise on the web, and rather make your website into the informational portal that backs up your smiling face. Imagine this:

You show up at a networking meeting, or otherwise a general gathering of like-minded individuals.
You order a Miller Light (or a Chardonnay) and mingle a bit.
You and the people you meet spend much time laughing over similarly shared experiences.
And every once in a while, you get the magic question from someone: "What do you do?"
You tell them just a little bit (the tease) about your business, and hand them a business card (with your website on it!).
You also get a business card from them, so that you may keep in contact with them.
You politely ask them if they can be put on your web newsletter, and most say yes.
When they get to the office, they check out your website, which offers them something special for "signing up".
From then on, you can always keep in communication with these individuals, with less need for sales pitches during your Miller Light time.

If your web business prospers from the personal touch, consider these methods to increase your customer base:

Word of Mouth: Probably the most powerful way of generating business is to tell everyone you know about your website. Be prepared, though - you should have at least a few of these items already in place and ready to hand out at a moment's notice:
- Business Cards: Duh, I know. But make sure the website address is very prominently displayed. Spend a few extra bucks to make this card the center of your word of mouth campaign.
- Brochures: Leave them everywhere; in stores and on bulletin boards, and also give your friends and family some for them to distribute. Invest in some brochure holders for extra prominence.
- Fliers: Every time you run a sale, you should use the opportunity to hand them out to everyone you know or otherwise post them in various locations.
- Promotional materials: Expensive, but effective. Pens, notepads and calendars will keep your customer thinking about you.

...and obviously, when your customers go to the website, they need to see a class act. So consider investing in a professional web design firm to create the exact look and feel to your website that will help to gain customers, create buzz around your products and services, and process sales. Now for my 30 second ad...:-)

Tom Ossa is the owner of Rockland Web Design, located in Stony Point New York. The company focuses on creating attractive and marketable websites for small to medium sized businesses, using many modern tools such as video presentations, mobile web and image slideshows. The company also specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Marketing practices using Google Maps, Google AdWords and Yahoo Local. For more information on Rockland Web Design, contact (845) 271 - 4488, or visit www.RocklandWebDesign.com