You Don’t Want a Website
There can be many reasons why you don’t want a website. Simply not being comfortable with the technology is often at the center of these reasons. As widespread as the Internet has become, it’s still very new to many people.
If you think the reluctance is from the older generations you’ll be surprised. Amongst our older citizens, Internet use is growing rapidly. For those of use with decreasing mobility and even decreased resources, the Internet is a very easy and cost effective way to maintain social contacts. It’s proving to be a good way to find entertainment, services and products.
The youngest generations seem to have been born with a modem already implanted... uh, I mean installed. I have grandchildren who can sit beside me and guide me through complex tasks at this computer. They seem to have an uncanny ability to understand the relationship between cursor and mouse. Computer use will feel very natural and basic to them as they continue to grow.
So if it’s not the young and the old who aren’t comfortable with the technology, who is it? Surprisingly (at least to me) it is the “bridge generation”. It’s those of us in our 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s who didn’t have exposure to computers as they emerged. The people whose work doesn’t rely on heavy computer use and who haven’t yet bought into the whole PDA, Computer, Cell-Phone, and “constant contact” lifestyle.
But, this is also the age group most likely to be starting new businesses. Not being comfortable with the technology will make its use a lot less attractive to these entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, it will prevent them from attracting two very important market segments. Both younger and older groups tend to have disposable income and time to make considered purchases. Without a website you won’t be showing them your products.
A simple information website is very inexpensive to run with costs starting out lower than most monthly advertising costs. Plus, you can listed in the various “local search” services being developed by the Search Engines. This means that if someone goes looking for a “shoe repair” within 50 miles of their home your business can be at the top of their search results. (I picked on “shoe repair” because this is becoming difficult to find. Increasing labor costs and decreased pricing for new shoes has helped make this skill an endangered species.) I will point out that increasing numbers of people are likely to use the Internet over the phone book to find what they want.
To get results from Internet marketing you don’t even need to have a computer yourself. The listing can show your business address, other pertinent information, and even have a map to show people exactly where you are or the area you service.
All good reasons to use the Internet to your advantage even when you don’t want a website.
Mike Myklin is an author, a lecturer, and an e-commerce owner specializing in Search Engine Optimization. If you have questions about the Internet and e-commerce, you can send them to him and he will try to answer them in his column. You can also get information on-line at http://www.myklin.com/.
If you think the reluctance is from the older generations you’ll be surprised. Amongst our older citizens, Internet use is growing rapidly. For those of use with decreasing mobility and even decreased resources, the Internet is a very easy and cost effective way to maintain social contacts. It’s proving to be a good way to find entertainment, services and products.
The youngest generations seem to have been born with a modem already implanted... uh, I mean installed. I have grandchildren who can sit beside me and guide me through complex tasks at this computer. They seem to have an uncanny ability to understand the relationship between cursor and mouse. Computer use will feel very natural and basic to them as they continue to grow.
So if it’s not the young and the old who aren’t comfortable with the technology, who is it? Surprisingly (at least to me) it is the “bridge generation”. It’s those of us in our 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s who didn’t have exposure to computers as they emerged. The people whose work doesn’t rely on heavy computer use and who haven’t yet bought into the whole PDA, Computer, Cell-Phone, and “constant contact” lifestyle.
But, this is also the age group most likely to be starting new businesses. Not being comfortable with the technology will make its use a lot less attractive to these entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, it will prevent them from attracting two very important market segments. Both younger and older groups tend to have disposable income and time to make considered purchases. Without a website you won’t be showing them your products.
A simple information website is very inexpensive to run with costs starting out lower than most monthly advertising costs. Plus, you can listed in the various “local search” services being developed by the Search Engines. This means that if someone goes looking for a “shoe repair” within 50 miles of their home your business can be at the top of their search results. (I picked on “shoe repair” because this is becoming difficult to find. Increasing labor costs and decreased pricing for new shoes has helped make this skill an endangered species.) I will point out that increasing numbers of people are likely to use the Internet over the phone book to find what they want.
To get results from Internet marketing you don’t even need to have a computer yourself. The listing can show your business address, other pertinent information, and even have a map to show people exactly where you are or the area you service.
All good reasons to use the Internet to your advantage even when you don’t want a website.
Mike Myklin is an author, a lecturer, and an e-commerce owner specializing in Search Engine Optimization. If you have questions about the Internet and e-commerce, you can send them to him and he will try to answer them in his column. You can also get information on-line at http://www.myklin.com/.
posted by Mike Myklin at 8:40 AM
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