 Before the information superhighway began, the only way to search for a phone number, product or service was by use of White Pages, Yellow Pages or just dial 013. So the first step for every business was to make sure our listing was up to date.Now with household and business internet being established for over 15 years, (since around 1995!!!), we can now search for business numbers, addresses, products and services online. White and Yellow Pages also have an online presence - but how useful is it compared to having a website of your own? And do we still need to be in the printed directories? In my personal experience, while I keep the current books on my shelf, I never use them. Even with the new compact, mobile version of old yella. For me, searching for a business, service or product online is the fastest and most convenient way. I'm even using internet searches on my mobile phone. Recently while on the road, (parked on the side of the road), I had reason to order a pizza for dinner. In the past, I might have called directory assistance and paid the luxury to be through-connected. Well this time, I found it easier to open the phone's web browser and type in the web address. Without any hesitation, I by-passed the phone number and placed the order directly into the online ordering facility! There was no on-hold elevator music and adverts, no 'dial 1 for inconvenience, dial 2 for frustrations...', and the order was conveniently ready and on time! Now that's technology working for me! So what would influence the decision on whether to invest in Yellow Pages, (either printed or their online listing), or invest in a website of your own? Available to those without internet convenience. Competition is reduced with your presence. (A negative point would be that you are listed next to your competitors. Making it easy for your customers to choose others easier.) Directory listing provides one of many other means of getting known by your customers.
Pros for owning a Website:
The entire investment for a website can be the same or less than a Yellow Pages advertisement. Dependant on scale.
You have total control over size, number of pictures, and the amount of information you present.
You can change and update website information as many times as you like.
A website can free valuable time by letting customers research your products or services. You can even sell directly from your website.
Photos, brochures, manuals, specifications, location maps, customer testimonials, frequently asked questions and catalogues can be displayed on your website.
Depending on the scale of investment, for the same price as one year's Yellow Pages advertisement, your website can host unlimited email accounts, securely store confidential documents and business data. Forms can be shared inhouse between departments and clients can have exclusive access to specific information.
Customers can google search your business, your phone number and your location with convenience.
While there are still valid reasons to invest in Yellow Pages advertising, there are more valid reasons to divert some of your advertising budget into your website investment. You can add to your website over a period of years, so that it evolves from just a place to display your logo and your business address - to a fully functional online data centre. |
