To avoid wasting time and money on a home based business web site, there are some important things you should know.
A Common Misconception
Most people have the completely wrong idea about how to use a web site as part of their online business marketing efforts. They think a good web site consists of some kind of sales page or pages, an “about us” page, maybe some biographical pages about key staff members, a “contact us” page, and a product order page.
I’ll tell you right now, that web site won’t create any new interest in that particular business.
Why?
Because there’s nothing of value for the prospect there. The only people who’ll become customers after visiting that web site are those who were already looking for information about that particular company. They’ll already have some interest in that company before they visit the web site.
Does this mean you shouldn’t have that kind of information available on your home based business web site? Of course not. But there needs to be much more to your web site than just that.
A More Profitable Purpose
To really make your web site pay off, you'll also want it to create new prospects for your business.
These days, more and more people use the internet to search for businesses that can fill a particular need they have. They used to look in the yellow pages, but the net has become the preferred tool for searching out products and services.
That’s why Google became so successful, and why other search engines are trying to follow in their footsteps.
How often do you use Google or some other search engine?
See what I mean?
The good news is these new search habits really level the playing field for your home based business. Anyone can have a web site without busting the budget. And anyone can have a prospect generating web site, if they build it properly. And building it properly really isn’t all that hard.
Provide Value
The key building a prospect generating web site is to provide some valuable content to your visitor that's also relevant to your business.
Here are some examples:
Let’s say you had a web site for your candle making business. Valuable content might be an article page about how to maximize the burning life of candles, or some tips on how to properly store candles.
If you had a carpet cleaning business, you could publish some information on your web site abou how to properly care for carpet between professional cleanings, or how to properly clean spots and spills. Your clients will really appreciate this information, and you'll be the first carpet cleaner they think of when it's time to have their carpet professdionally cleaned again.
What valuable information could you give to your prospective and existing customers?
The point is, give your web site visitors some reasons to appreciate you above and beyond the products or services you deliver.
Adding value is what I’m really talking about here. And your home based business web site is a great way to do that, and attract new customers at the same time.
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