Sanders Media

Whenever someone contracts me to build their website, they often don’t have an idea what they want. Here are some things to think about.

Who do you want to attract? Think about who your best customers are. Your site should cater to them. A good example would be MySpace and LinkedIn. They cater to two completely different demographics. As a result, their sites are designed and arranged accordingly.

How are you going to use the website? Some companies don’t need their website to generate leads. The site is a brochure for their expertise. Other companies rely heavily on online leads. They need their website to attract customers. In other words, the website is part of their sales force.

How will a website advance your company’s goals? Websites won’t reach their full potential when companies don’t think through the process. You must decide how you want it to integrate with your overall company mission.

If you take the time to prepare, a website can be one of your best investments.

I know most of you have heard of MySpace and Facebook, and you may think they are for people with too much time on their hands. Have you considered how they can help your business? You know the old adage, “It’s not what you know, but who.” Well, the best way to meet that “who” is to expand your network. 

MySpace and Facebook, along with LinkedIn, are providing new ways to find new clients, employees or professional contacts. While MySpace and Facebook may be more geared to the “social” aspect of social networking, they can still be useful. LinkedIn may be the best solution for professionals because it is strictly for business.

It never hurts to expand your network, and the internet has made it easier than ever.