AN INTERNET PRESENCE CAN HELP YOU INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS INQUIRIES

Globalization has changed the way business is conducted the world over. Its effect can be seen in how businesses- big and small compete with each other in their local as well as global markets. The Internet has fueled and enabled this change by making access to information and services easy and communication instant.

The Web offers a wealth of opportunities to businesses irrespective of size. Over 81 million¹ Indians now have access to the Internet and over 1.9 billion² Internet users exist worldwide, making it a rich and powerful media to create awareness of your business. While creating awareness is one of the key benefits, an Internet presence when used strategically can help a business increase inquiries for its products and services.

Being present where the world searches for information
People search the Internet for all kinds of information they may need, be it for personal or business use. Right from searching for a holiday destination to finding a supplier for something they need, one of the places people are likely to look is the Internet. Not having a Web presence can therefore be disadvantageous for your business, as people would not have access to your business on this medium.

In order to be present on the Web, an important first step is to select and register a domain name. The domain name represents your company’s brand and identity on the Internet. In order to boost the chances of your company being recognized on the Web, it is necessary to choose a meaningful domain name and register it as soon as possible. Selecting the right domain name increases your visibility on the net. A .com domain name is appropriate for businesses of all sizes and it is one of the most widely used domain name extensions around the world³.

Increase business opportunities – through your website
While it is key to pay attention to the design of your website, it is perhaps more important to make your website searchable. The more frequently your website is found by people online, the greater the chances of receiving business inquiries from interested parties/customers, which may ultimately lead to more sales. Here are a few practical tips to help you reach more potential customers in a cost- effective way:

1. Promote your domain name on all communication and marketing collaterals: Put your Web address on business cards and all your stationery to make customers aware of where they can find you on the Internet. Notify your current customers of your new website. Use the phrase - visit our website at www.yourbusiness.com on your advertisements and publicity materials. Use an e-mail signature of your website domain name on all email correspondence.
2. Use Search Engine Optimization: Search Engine Optimization or SEO as it is popularly known is the process of researching and selecting keywords that your potential customers would use to find what you offer. By using SEO, businesses can help improve their chances of being found on the Internet.
3. List your company on local Web directories: Web directories are websites on which companies can get their names listed for free. Every time a potential customer makes an inquiry on Web directories for your business category, he or she may be more likely to learn about your business and even contact you.
4. Choose a simple domain name: Select a domain name with care, one that directly refers to the line of business you are in or is your company name. Registering multiple domain names increases your chances of being found on the Internet by your target audience and is a popularly used tool in order to make a website more searchable.
5. Use a business email address: Your business email address can serve as a powerful tool to drive traffic to your website. It serves as a constant reminder of who you are whenever you send anyone an e-mail from your professional email id. Besides, it conveys that you are a professionally run business and this may enhance your chances of being contacted for purchase of the services/products you offer.
6. Make regular updates: Consider making frequent changes to the content posted on your website (once a quarter can be a good start) and provide recent updates on information or services related to your line of business to encourage visitors to come back repeatedly.
7. Build Traffic by exchanging links: Increasing your visibility in a crowded online market may be achieved by building partnerships to gain referrals. Working with other websites to place links to your website can help bring in more traffic to your website. Doing so, may also increase your page ranking with search engines, or make your website more findable. So, the more there are websites that link to your website, higher are the chances of your website to be found.
8. Acquire on-line advertising space: Aim to be visible in the places where people look for the services you provide. For example if you supply handicrafts it may be useful to buy online banner advertisements on appropriate websites (such as the business section of your local online newspaper, or websites that list handicraft manufacturers in India) that will link to your website, thus increasing your chances of getting relevant traffic to your website and in turn potentially increasing business inquiries.

The Internet is a great medium to build visibility for your business. For a small business it could be a powerful and a cost-effective marketing tool. With a little strategic planning, you can help boost your business inquiries.

Welcome to the Internet World!

² www.internetstats.com, June 30, 2010
² www.internetworldstats.com, June 30, 2010
³ During the fourth quarter of 2010, the overall base of .com and .net domain names grew to reach a combined total of 105.2 million names, according to the Verisign Domain Name Industry Brief (Volume 8, Issue 1, February 2011)