Diversify Your Business Model on the Web

(Article 2 of a 12-part series)

Topic: Website Basics

The internet has become a major communication platform for most businesses.  It links people socially and professionally.  Those who have not realized this or fail to do so will fall behind in today’s global economy.

Most businesses have some kind of web presence, but many fail to implement their business model on the web.  Many businesses have become successful because they realized their website can serve as a platform to simplify their business processes to open new streams of revenue.  Others use the web to create and explore niche markets.  The possibilities to improve business via the web are virtually endless, but many businesses fail to explore them due to fear of technology or a lack of knowledge of where to begin.  If you feel this way, this article is for you!

Getting started on the web is simple if you know what types of questions to ask.  We have put together a list of questions that will help get you started. 

Do you have a professional website? 

  1. YES – Move on to the next question
  2. NO – Contact a reputable web development firm
  3. UNSURE – Move on to the next question

Does your website correctly reflect your business model? 

  1. YES – Move on to the next question
  2. NO – Contact a reputable, professional web development firm to find out how they can help you.  This should be your ultimate goal, and should be the first thing you discuss with your design firm so you can properly plan to reach this goal together.  The web design firm should be able to provide examples of technologies that can help you achieve your goals.  The brainstorming process may even make you rethink your current business model.

Is your website Content Managed? 

  1. YES – You are in a good position because you have access to edit the content of your site.
  2. NO – Ask yourself if it would benefit your company to make website changes internally.  Make sure you have someone capable, and with enough time to properly maintain your website.
  3. UNSURE – If you are not sure, then your site is most likely not content managed.  You are probably asking, “What is Content Management?”  Content management is a technology that allows you to edit the content (text, images, hyperlinks, etc) of your website.  They are usually accessible through a secure login.  Information about your company can change very frequently, so why wouldn’t you want the ability to make immediate changes to your site?

Is the website database driven?

  1. YES – Move on to the next question
  2. NO – A database driven website offers much more than a basic website.  It allows you to manage databases from multiple locations along with sharing information by integrating web-based software.  Examples of web-based software include eCommerce, Supply Chain Management software, Social Media/Event Information, Business/Company Directories and much more.

What language was used to develop your website?

  1. HTML – Your site is probably outdated.  You should probably upgrade your website.
  2. PHP – This is a Linux based scripting language commonly used in database driven sites.
  3. ASP – This is a Microsoft based scripting language commonly used in database driven websites.

Which language is better: PHP or ASP?

  1. This all boils down to current server setup (if you have an internal server and wish to host your site), cost and personal preference.  If you work in a Microsoft environment then ASP might be your best choice.  The primary drawback to ASP is you need a Microsoft based server to run your site which can be costly.  PHP, generally a low cost solution, is Linux based and has a large community of developers that openly share ideas and code.

Does your website make business processes easier for employees and/or existing or potential clients?

  1. YES – You are on the right track.  Keep thinking ahead of the curve.
  2. NO – Have you explored this possibility?  If not, you should.  Many businesses that are successful find ways to save time and money by streamlining their business processes.  Others have been successful because their existing and potential clients can get information or products in a timely and effective manner.

Technology can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be.  Find a technical person you trust to ask the hard questions.  Inform yourself so you don’t feel misled.  There are endless amounts of free information available, of which Wikipedia is at the forefront.  If you answered NO to any of the questions above, you need to contact a professional web development firm.  Together you can determine your goals.  With a little time and effort, you can successfully reach them.  If you answered YES to most of the questions above, you are on the right track. 

If you have any questions or comments regarding this article, please submit them to info@enertiasolutions.com.  We will review them and respond in a timely manner. 

Matt Garno | President
Enertia Solutions