This article is continued from Part 3
“Hardware, Software, Where do I Begin?”
Effectively Managing Your Business Technology Needs - Part 4
Website Design And Promotion
Purchase your own domain name (www.dotster and www.godaddy.com) and hire a professional web designer who specializes in your type of business. RezStream now does design, hosting, and promotion of websites. Check out our website at: www.rezstream.com/marketing for more information. Savvy computer users can design and maintain their own website but it is not as easy as it appears. Good web designers have years of experience and can help you create a positive visual image for your business. Speed less on national directory listings and more on keeping your website up to date, including a promotion strategy and budget. You will need to spend between $1000-1500 a month on promotion. Some larger businesses spend even more. Find an Internet marketing company that specializes in promotion. Just because someone can design a website does not mean they know how to effectively promote it. The whole goal is to make sure your website gets meaningful traffic.
It is also very important to have a real-time Booking Engine on your website. Why spend all that money on design and promotion if you are not going to turn lookers into bookers? Availability calendars may be cheap but consumers are becoming savvier and they know the difference between request forms and confirmed reservations. Like it or not, confirmed reservations are what the traveling public wants.
Website Company Recommendations
www.rezstream.com/marketing.htm (design, hosting, and promotion)
Overall Summary
- Consider buying a new computer instead of spending money upgrading an old one. Even entry-level new computers are very good. Make sure your new computer operating system is Microsoft XP Professional and Microsoft Office Small Business Edition software.
- An always-on Internet connection is crucial to businesses that rely on Internet bookings and other communications. Buy a two-way satellite connection if you cannot get broadband cable of DSL.
- Don’t cut corners with your website. It should be visual and inviting. And, it should get a major facelift every year or two. Budget at least $1,000 to 1,500 per month for effective promotion. Make sure you have a real-time Booking Engine on your website. You will not be able to track your return on investment of marketing dollars if you do not have a Booking Engine that supports comprehensive website tracking.
- Use a property management software program to help you run your business, track your customers, automate basic bookkeeping tasks, and help you market more effectively. Using property management software also makes your business more valuable when you sell it.
- If you have questions about technology consult with people in your area. Ask for references from computer experts to make sure you pick the right person for your unique needs. Your local computer shop can often also recommend a good technology specialist in your area.
About The Author
Bill Mitchell is the co-owner and Chief Operations Officer for RezStream. RezStream is located in Denver, Colorado. The owners of RezStream have been designing and selling property management software for over 10 years. RezStream also sells real-time Internet reservation technology and website design, hosting, and promotion services. Contact RezStream at: 360-866-8210 or visit their website: www.rezstream.com
