Should you be thankful your marketplace is moving online?
David Rosam on Jun 26 2007 at 8:30 pm | Filed under: Marketing, Search Engine Optimization
There’s plenty of evidence that many marketplaces are moving from conventional channels and media on to the Net - I’m not even going to start pointing out the plethora of comment and reports, because you can Google just as well as I can.
Typically, many retailers are finding their high-overhead high street outlets are not looking as viable as they did a few years back, as consumers like to shop online from home, when it suits them. Other businesses are finding that traditional print-based advertising no longer works or is cost-effective.
Perhaps that’s the kind of challenge your business is facing, and you’re feeling unsure about what the future holds or what’s involved in getting business from the Web.
I’d argue that the change can be positive. While effective SEO isn’t the 50 quid a month many dodgy dealers may lead you to believe, try comparing a realistic proposal from a good consultant or agency with the cost of a quarter page ad in a print publication that gives you access to the same kind of audience.
An Organic SEO campaign will also have real longevity, not the day, week or month you’ll get from the print ad. While moving to more economical non-retail premises may save your business a packet.
It’s a sobering thought. One that will probably have your business wholeheartedly embracing the possibilities online.
