Webmaster forum - Is web marketing only really useful for ecommerce sites?

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Is web marketing only really useful for ecommerce sites?

walterbyrd

2006-11-19, 7:55 pm

Practically every business should have a web-site. But, do those
web-sites draw new business, or are most sites there just to provide
information for people who already know about the business?

If somebody has a warehousing business, for example, should he try to
promote that business by some web-marketing scheme?

arccos

2006-11-19, 7:55 pm

walterbyrd wrote:
> Practically every business should have a web-site. But, do those
> web-sites draw new business, or are most sites there just to provide
> information for people who already know about the business?
>
> If somebody has a warehousing business, for example, should he try to
> promote that business by some web-marketing scheme?

A website should be able to attract new business, as well as be useful
to current customers.

In the warehouse example, an ok warehouse website would have
information on pricing, location of the warehouses, what they stock,
why this warehouse company is the best, etc. A good website would allow
the current customers to log in and see information on their account,
how much storage space they have used and unused, etc. I'm not too
familiar with warehouse businesses in particular, so I can't really
tell you beyond that.

A good website will help you keep your current customers happy, and
show new customers you are competent and have more capability and
flexibility than your competators.

Marketing on the web is useful for every single website, even if its
just something you throw up to play with. Of course don't spend too
much (or maybe anything) on marketing if its a site that is not
intended to make money.

For a local business, share links with other local businesses,
advertise in Internet yellow pages, and get local keywords in search
engines and the like. Don't try to advertise across the web, since you
only really want to pay for local eyes. That will be a start. Partner
with other local businesses to find out what they do for marketing.
Don't forget all offline marketing should point people to the website,
in addition to the usual phone number and address.

For a wide area business (International or Internet based), you have
more flexibility about where and how you can advertise. Advertise on
and share links with complimentary businesses in the same languages and
countries you do business in. Get specific keywords for your product in
search engines. Again, that's just a start.

Any specific type of business you're trying to promote?

Charles Sweeney

2006-11-19, 7:57 pm

walterbyrd wrote

> Practically every business should have a web-site. But, do those
> web-sites draw new business, or are most sites there just to provide
> information for people who already know about the business?
>
> If somebody has a warehousing business, for example, should he try to
> promote that business by some web-marketing scheme?

Yes, I believe they should. Today, many people begin their search for a
product or service, online. In this sense, "web marketing" could simply
mean Adword ads or similar.

--
Charles Sweeney
http://CharlesSweeney.com

walterbyrd

2006-11-19, 7:58 pm

arccos wrote:

>
> Any specific type of business you're trying to promote?

A small 3PL, and a network consulting business. Thank you for all the
tips.