bien creative » Business

Dont do as I do …..

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:07:14 +0000

Whenever I talk to new clients about whether they want a static HTML site or a Content Management System that they can update. I always stress to them – if you are going to have blog you must keep it up to date there is nothing worse than having obviously old information on your site.

So imagine my shame last week when a potential client calls and says

“I wasn’t sure if you were still in business as your site hasn’t been updated since 2009″

Now I have been quite good at updating my portfolio page as new clients have gone live. I also have a news box on the home page where I highlight a favourite client and any small business news that may be relevant. BUT…. the blog which I added “because its good to have new relevant content” had been left sadly languishing while I got on with designing other people sites.

So here is a new post. Yes I am still in business, pretty good business, if I say so myself! That has kept me busy and away from updating this site. So thank you to all my recent client for keeping me busy and to that potential client , thanks for bringing the state of this blog to my attention. Hopefully I will be busy working on your site soon!

e-commerce and I

IainP — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 06:22:43 +0000

So you run a small business and you are starting to think whether a good website will help build your customer base. Myriad surveys have produced countless statistics telling you that Generation X, Y or whoever spends 110% of all waking hours glued to their computers spending umpteen billion dollars on online goods and services.

But is it really suitable for you? Isn’t e-commerce or whatever they call it nowadays the province of big companies with IT and marketing budgets? Even though you may be a little bit curious, can you you find anyone to help you get started without spending a fortune? Can you find a website designer who speaks to you in language you can actually understand. After all who wants to be sneered at by some spotty teenage oik spouting technobabble just because you don’t know the difference between Javascript and Flash action.

Anyway, you may be quite content with the business that comes through the listing in the local business directory and the occasional advert in the local paper. It may not set the world on fire but at least it keeps you ticking over, right?

Well actually it need not be like that and yes having an internet presence is a solid sales and marketing tool. Getting a website up and running can be surprisingly painless and cost effective. It does not have to be a replacement for your current advertising but can seriously enhance its effectiveness.

When looking for a local product or service, the first thing many people now do is to ‘google it’. Often this takes you through to a local online business directory. This might list 6 or 7 small business suppliers, of which maybe only 1 or 2 has a website listed. These websites then become shop windows that anyone can browse through. From the comfort of their own home (or workdesk), your potential customers can see anything you want them to see about you, your business and your products and services.

Sound too good to be true? Well why don’t you find out more.

Welcome

admin — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 02:09:06 +0000

to Bien Creative’s blog on small business set up, thoughts and ideas as I find my way.

So time to start publishing something – thanks to Iain Palombo for kick-starting this blog with a post on why you need a web site, even if you are a small business