You may wonder why I did not maintain the site of the month posts. Recently, A feature store option is added to the live shops directory. Now, instead of the objects of the month will feature sites proposed in the rest of the osCommerce team. When I select a site feature, I will also blog about why I choose this site if it is approved by the rest of the team.
Will be beginning a series of blog entries, aimed at small business owners looking to bring their business online with osCommerce.
For my first entry will be discussed from the Internet and how the Internet can benefit small business owners.
Prior to the online presence of small business owner should understand the advantages and disadvantages of building a website / online store.
One of the main advantages of the availability of online store or site, the information is available to customers 24 / 7. This is an important aspect of the Internet, which is often ignored. As a customer, if I wanted information about a company that has a web site that will have to wait until they opened to call them. Even then, I may have to deal with an annoying animated phone system or answering machine. In the Internet, combined with e-mail, allowing clients or potential clients to learn what is necessary to know at their convenience.
What are other major advantages of an online store? One big advantage is the reduction of marketing costs. Placing information online market saves the business owner a lot of money.
In addition to reducing the cost of marketing, websites also reduce maintenance costs. A business owner can save money using the Internet to provide assistance when staff is not available. For example, a business owner to include FAQ module in their shop, which will assist in answering questions of clients.
Websites also give companies a modern image. The company email address gives the impression that your business is up to date and the date on technology. However, if you create a web presence only on the basis of this decision, it must determine whether this is enough benefit to justify the costs go online.
Finally, create an online store and / or website would help your image. A professionally designed website can make your company seem important impressive. example, positive product reviews left of your online store can significantly improve its image.
My next blog entry will cover the deficiencies of the Internet. Poorly designed web sites, web sites that are incomplete and web sites that are partially under construction may have a negative effect on company image. Many home-based or low-budget website fit this category. All too often when reviewing Live Shop entries I see stores that meet this category. These sites do more harm then good business.
