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Industrial web sites for manufacturersLaunching your industrial web siteOnce you finalize the design, it is time to get the web site launched. There are a number of key items you need to consider before the production process is completed. These include:
Proofreading your web siteMake sure your web site contains no errors. That sounds easy and it isn't. Read it carefully, out loud. Examine the formatting. Is it pleasing to look at? Double-check punctuation, spelling, and proper word usage. Then, triple-check it. Don't let your web site get launched with any errors! Make sure all of the hyperlinks work. Make sure the navigation buttons link to the correct pages. If you have a Links/Resources section, always check to be sure that those links work as well. If you have forms on your site, send some test forms to yourself to be sure you receive them. It can be extremely helpful if a 3rd party can send you some test forms before launching.
Copyrighting your siteMost of us don't think about copywriting the materials we have developed. The Copywriting Act of 1976 protects creative works as soon as they are in "tangible form." As far as web sites are concerned, electronic media are considered to be in a "tangible form." Don't let someone else benefit from the hard work you have expended creating your web site. Your HTML files are copyright protected under this act. If you have questions about copywriting your web site work or if you can legally use material you have found, check out this web site from U.S. Government Intellectual Property Resources — http://www.stopfakes.gov. Also check out this intellectual property attorney's site www.ecommerceattorney.com.
Submitting to the search enginesThis can be performed manually to the major search engines, submitted via specialized software such as Position Pro, or completed by your web site developer. The major search engines in 2007 were, in order:
No matter who does your site submission, make sure it is completed as soon as your site is launched. It takes a long time for all the good search engines to "find" your site. Help them out. Many search engines are charging to be listed. Some manufacturers find that they get a reasonable return on investment by listing their home, services, and contact pages with these services. One final note: follow all of the search engines' recommended guidelines and procedures. Being found via the search engines can significantly increase your online visibility. If you do not follow the search engines' rules, or if you hire a web design firm that does not follow the search engines' rules, your site can be banned permanently from their search results.
Creating directory descriptionsDirectories allow you to submit a description that will be used in the categories they select or that you plead to be listed under. If you don't write a concise 20, 30, and 50 word description, a directory editor will write it for you and you have no control of how they describe your business' web site. We highly recommend that you hire a professional web copywriter for this task because it is very difficult to change a directory listing. Two of the major directories, Yahoo and Business.com, require an annual submission fee of $299 and $99, respectively, for all businesses. Submissions to the Open Directory, which supplies America Online's search service, are free. Top directories in 2007 included:
NOW WHAT? - Use your web site to market your businessGet your web site information out into the market. Set up a targeted direct mail program to inform customers and potential customers. Make sure all qualified inquiring companies are directed to your web site. Instruct your people to give out the URL on every call. Get your web site URL out where it can help drive business to you! Good luck! Previous: << Web site development Related industrial marketing tips
If you would like more information about how professional industrial web developers can enhance your company's ability to increase search engine traffic and sales opportunities, please Koch Group at 630-941-1100, use our contact form or email us at info@kochgroup.com.
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