The digital age has brought about a revolution in the way businesses operate. If you're not yet utilizing the internet in your business operations, the term "e-business" might seem daunting. However, it doesn't have to be. By taking it one step at a time, you can successfully transition your business into the digital realm. This article provides some useful tips to help you build and promote your e-business effectively.
There are numerous ways to utilize the internet in your business. The key is to start with what you're already good at. For instance, if your business is renowned for producing an excellent print newsletter, consider transitioning this into an online newsletter as your first e-business initiative. This not only allows you to leverage your existing strengths but can also help increase your overall circulation.
Building traffic to your e-business is significantly easier when you have a clear understanding of your target audience. While there are exceptions, a focused approach to promotion generally yields better results. For instance, if you run a small hardware store and want to expand your business online, you might be tempted to use broad search terms like "hardware" or "do-it-yourself". However, this approach will likely pit you against numerous competitors. Instead, consider focusing on a specific product line, such as paintbrushes, and targeting a niche market. This approach can significantly increase your chances of success. For example, a Yahoo search for "hardware stores" yields 146 results, "wholesale paint suppliers" yields 41 results, and "wholesale paintbrush suppliers" yields just one result. Therefore, it's worth considering whether you want to compete with 146, 41, or 0 other sites for traffic.
When designing your e-business site, it's crucial to consider promotion. If you neglect this aspect, you might inadvertently hinder your promotional efforts. For instance, incorporating a URL redirect to personalize the visitor's experience can be beneficial, but it can also cause problems as some search engines reject sites that immediately redirect visitors. It's much easier to address these issues during the design phase.
It's essential to build and promote your site using a domain name that you own. If you ever need to part ways with your hosting service provider, owning your domain name ensures that you won't lose the traffic you've worked hard to build. If you don't own your domain name, the ability to redirect your traffic could be left in the hands of your hosting service provider.
In conclusion, transitioning to an e-business doesn't have to be intimidating. By leveraging your strengths, targeting your audience, designing with promotion in mind, and owning your domain, you can successfully build and promote your e-business.
