Benefits Of A Website

The benefits will very much depend on the nature of your business, and the extent to which you choose to embrace the technology! Although it makes sense to make the most of the features available, it is perfectly valid to take it one step at a time. It is not a case of all or nothing!

The choice is yours

You may choose to use only e-mail (at least initially). Alternatively you may decide on a website now, but not to use e-mail. Both a website and e-mail can be used to market your business on-line. When you're ready, and it is relevant, you may embark on a full e-commerce solution.

Your virtual shop window

The internet is an excellent channel for promoting your business to potential clients anywhere, anytime. All they need is your website address, whether from a business card, an advert, letterhead, email or search engines.

It offers a cost effective and convenient means of keeping in touch with your existing client base and keeping them informed of developments within your business. And you can achieve this without visiting the printers, or mailing hundreds of letters.

A website will maximize your marketing investment, by leveraging this versatile and dynamic marketing channel which is the internet.

There is much more you can do with your website from gathering contact details and information about visitors to your site, to ultimately trading on-line. It becomes your virtual shop window enabling you to compete on much more equal terms with much larger organizations.

Communicate using E-mail

E-mail is not just an alternative form of communication, it also offers the potential for much more imaginative material, and the advantage of linking directly to the internet

• Efficient, interactive channel for communicating with customers and suppliers
• Efficient form of internal communication
• Customers can be kept informed of changes to your business through electronic newsletters
• Promote your website through e-mail by including a link
• E-letterheads / e-stationery can enhance your image
• COST EFFECTIVE - no postage, printing, envelopes

Establish your presence in the global marketplace:

• In the virtual world of the internet, your website is the virtual shop front to your business.
• You can provide your (prospective) clients with up to date information about you business
• Updates are instantly available to everybody, at a relatively small cost (no printing or postage)
• No write off costs relating to redundant promotional material
• Visitors can help themselves to information; anytime, anywhere, and as often as they wish - making them more likely to do so

Market your business online:

• Reinforce corporate and brand identity. Make your existing investment in marketing go further
• Advertise services and products
• Collect e-mail addresses and other information through your website
• Conduct market research through your website
• Promotion through targeted direct e-mail campaigns
• Build customer relations through personalised service
• Deliver targeted prospects to your mailbox!

E-Commerce: Open all hours

More and more people now buy on the internet because of the convenience and the variety of goods that are available.

• Your business can be 'open all hours'
• Reduced transaction costs through online orders and, ultimately, payment
• Optional supply chain integration, streamlining your business

Every Business Is Unique

Every business is unique, and the solution it needs will be unique.

Where we can capitalise on our previous experience in your industry sector, we do so. That does not mean that we'll try to force you into the same mould as another.

Your website will be what you want and your business needs.

Corporate Identity

If you already have an established corporate identity, this will be used as the basis for the aesthetic design of the site. If not, we can help you establish that identity. We'll ensure that the design of the site reflects the character and of your business.

Technically, our designs are done in a way that you that allows you to change the look of your site with minimal effort, e.g. if your corporate identity changes, or perhaps you want to freshen the look of your site.

What should be in my website?

Some clients come to us with a very clear idea of what it is they want, but many don't really know where to start.

For those who don't know, we'll work with you to understand your business, and your objectives for the website. We'll guide you through the process of specifying a client-focused structure and the required content to help your site succeed.

Most of our clients find our guidance useful beyond simply creating a website.

An online marketing brochure

The internet is indeed an excellent medium for marketing your business.

But to see your website purely as an on-line copy of marketing material would be a missed opportunity. Unlike printed material, online users do not wish to be forced to read vast amounts of information from top to bottom. So information needs to be structured in logical sets with intuitive navigation.

We believe in making appropriate use of the features of the technology to enrich a visitor's experience on your website.

Producing the content

Producing the content for your website is often the hardest part; especially if you are also aiming to achieve good results in the search engines.

We can advise you on this, and if necessary provide you with copy writing services. We are also able to provide graphics / images for your website.

Website Services Tailored to your Needs

We offer a wide range of services, designed to maximise the success of your specific solution. Services are tailored to complement your in-house expertise and accommodate your preferences.

As well as designing solutions from scratch, we also re-design existing sites and carry out site maintenance, to very high standards.

• We can help you with the planning and preparations, such as graphical design and corporate / brand identity.
• During the development of the solution, we'll be working closely with you to ensure that it is exactly what your business needs.
• Integrating the solution into daily business activities will be critical to its long term success.
• Introducing a website may have other technical implications, so we also offer advice on wider internet-related issues.
• Deciding to do business online is potentially a very big subject, and it pays to consider your longer term goals from the start.

We aim to meet all your expectations

The services we offer are based on sound business principles, and several years' experience developing IT systems for demanding clients. At Baobab Solutions we not only implement the functionality you require, we also pay attention to non-functional requirements for your site, such as usability, performance, maintainability and compatibility across web browsers.

We work with small to medium size clients across all industries. We recognise that a website can be a significant investment for any company. We therefore ensure that we conform to the latest web development standards and techniques, as this will save you money when it comes to the maintenance of your site.

Design and develop a web solution to meet your requirements

• accurately convey your corporate / brand identity
• reflect the personality of your business
• fulfil the business purpose for the site
• meet the needs of your customers
• within your budget

In addition to your requirements, the site will be designed and developed to comply with internet best practice as well as any relevant legal requirements.

Preparing material for your website

Probably the hardest part of creating a website, is the preparation of the content. Most of the content may already be available in the form of conventional marketing material and needs to be selected carefully for incorporation into your website.

• graphic design
• establishing a corporate / brand identity
• preparation of images for web publication
• general marketing guidance
• copy writing

Advise on the integration of the solution into your business

• integrating your website into marketing activities
• use of e-mail for internal and external communications
• the use of e-mail for direct mail campaigns
• processes to support functionality of the web solution
• monitoring and measuring the success of your solution

Develop a strategy for maintaining the website in line with developments in your business

• depending on the frequency and nature of changes
• depending on your in-house skills
• depending on the level of control you require

Advice on wider internet-related issues

If this is your first venture onto the internet, there are likely to be additional areas that need to be addressed:

• domain name registration
• arrange website hosting
• search engine submission
• e-mail setup and usage
• virus protection and internet security
• computer networks
• data protection legislation

Define a programme of manageable, affordable developments towards your longer-term goal

The internet and websites open up a range of opportunities, some or all of which would be beneficial to your individual business.

Their implementation will not only have financial implications for the business, but will also necessitate business change to a lesser or greater degree. Either, or both of these factors may dictate the speed at which you can realistically progress towards your ultimate goal.

A phased approach is often beneficial as it allows you to publish a site quickly, before then taking your time to arrive at your ideal solution.

We will work with you to define a logical programme of website development and marketing activities that will take you towards your longer term goal, at a pace that matches both your business need and budget.