COSE Update Online -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 11/13/2001
Last Visited: 8/9/2002
Having made that decision, that's where you should direct your dollars in terms of the site's development and design, says David Oakland, CIO of Proximity Marketing in Brecksville (www.proxm.com).
"For example, if your Web site is a data-related tool intended to generate leads, the components of an effective Web site will be measurability," says Oakland."Specifically, the site should enable you to measure who's been to your site and where they came from, so you can further rank and qualify them."
If your site is truly effective, Oakland says, you'll see it in your bottom line."An effective Web site eliminates the need for a customer service representative, allowing a potential buyer to immediately and efficiently connect with your product and enter their order on their own, allowing you to facilitate the production and delivery of that in a just-in-time nature," says Oakland."Obviously, that's a key to increased productivity."
Searching for a qualified vendor to build your site goes back to determining your own needs, says Oakland.Do you need your vendor to be heavy on design, data management, application development or all of those elements, as a part of your site's development?Most importantly, don't hesitate to ask about the company's financial health.
"Ask them how they're funded and if they're profitable, realizing that you want to know if they're going to be there for you in six months and further down the road," Oakland says."Do your due diligence, ask for client references and talk with their customers."
Hands on-or notCRM via ASP.Whatever your industry, customers want to feel important.Appreciated.