Is the Website Dead? 

How to make the best business start to 2010

 

Has social networking become “the” way to be found on the World Wide Web? Millions of internet users worldwide are members of sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, to name a few. What is the impact of this frenzy of online activity? Is this networking phenomenon fast replacing the “traditional” website?

 

Why do people use the internet? Many use it as a platform to become part of the global community. Whether a user has a website or is involved within the social networking community, links are established joining him/her to countless others the world over.

 

Think about how you use the internet for your business. Do you have a website? What is the purpose of your website? What links to social networking have you created and/or use on a regular basis? How do you build links to either your website or your social connections?

 

First let’s consider the website. Why do you have a website? What is it for? A website is a shop window for you and your business. Good web design for functionality and easy navigation is a critical element, however relevant and compelling content is vital for your website to be a success. Taking time to make sure your business message is shared within the copy on your site should be your focus. Your aim is to give your audience a clear idea of what your business is about, what makes you different to your competitors, what you can provide and how you can be contacted etc. In other words your website is a one way of being “found” on the internet.

 

So how is your website actually “found”? Organically, Google and other search engines will direct people to your site, dependent upon where you are ranked and your level of SEO. Driving traffic to your site via articles, forum posts, blogs, e newsletters etc will also increase your opportunities. Consistently promoting your website helps to improve your search engine rankings and the level of success your site brings to your business.

 

Could the same be said for social networking sites – do they help you be “found”? Twitter users and followers connect constantly with 140 character conversations, featuring personal comments and occurrences, or to share current or insightful business information. By doing so, they actively “find” each other through the Twitter platform. This process is replicated on other social networking sites.

 

Like a website, Linked In and Facebook give you access to create an online profile of you and your business. In effect it’s your About Us page however it can also include your services and testimonials, or any information you choose to share.

 

Therefore it seems that social networking and websites do offer many of the same opportunities to promote and develop you and your business presence in the online world. Choose what works for you. Consider the time and effort required to be consistent. Think about what message you want to share. The jury is out – the decision rests with you…

 

Written by Gail Gibson of True Expressions
Discovery, Change, Transformation