Web Site and Email

Why it matters

Increasingly customers expect to be able to contact businesses electronically - either by email or through a web site. It is as if you didn't exist if you aren't on the web. But just being there is not enough - your virtual appearance needs to be professional in order to convey the right image to your customers.

At its simplest - things you can implement yourself

The first step in creating a virtual presence isn't all that complicated or expensive. You can get a free email address from one of the many web-based mail services. They allow you to log on to your email through a web browser, you don't have to manage any IT systems, it's all done for you and often for free. The disadvantage though is that your email address will end in something like "@hotmail.com" or "@yahoo.co.uk", in other words, your address isn't branded with your company's name. Also, the functionality of the email service may be restricted, e.g. there could be a limit as to the file size of individual emails.

In order to be on the web you don't necessarily need a web site. You can just find relevant business listings sites and add your details there. For example, a B&B could just contact the local tourist board and ask to be included in their listings site of local accommodation. Listings sites are a good option for many businesses as customers habitually visit them and thus you are in a position "to be found". The downside: they often cost to advertise and there will be restrictions on how you can present your business, such as a limited word count or a limitation on pictures.

An interesting free service has sprung up - BT Tradespace - the free option gives you a very decent looking site and what's more, they ensure it's indexed in the major search engines.

More robust solutions

The most common way for companies to have email is to subscribe to a service with an Internet Service Provider. This gives you the option of branding your emails with your own domain name ("@yourcompany.com"), gives you several accounts - one for each employee - and often includes tools to filter out spam, viruses and other malware. Some also offer Hosted Exchange, a Microsoft solution that in addition to email lets staff share calendars. Help-Desks can help you find a service provider that's right for you and configure your computers so they pick up email. Similarly for web sites - I can help you identify your hosting requirements and find a company that meets them. I can also help you move an existing site to a new provider.

If you need full control over your email and your web site then having your own dedicated service, either hosted by yourself or by a service provider, is the thing to do. Again, I can help you create the specifications and get the implementation on the way.