the new marketplace?

small business

[antipodes]

I read a report recently that small business are the biggest users of the internet, yet 8 in 10 sites fail within a year.

Looking around I see this is quite true and the web is vast graveyard of all but abandoned websites.

I'm sure this is big potential market but this market is frankly, quite ignorant. Small business simply doesn't understand the elements of a good website.

I've tried writing to these sites offering my services but they aren't listening. Some even get offended that I suggest they need a new site!

I also observe from conversations with this lot, a distinct lack of interest. Some tell me the web is overrated or doesn't work. You can see what I'm up against but I'm determined to find a way around this.

I'm curious to hear from anyone else who has written an effective email or some other way to reach these people. To get them to listen again.

[moltar]

antipodes, totally agree with you! I've tried explaining to several companies what the web actually is. They don't understand how bit it is, therefore not ready to invest their money.
In the mean time, small business that do understand are getting ahead. Wait some time, and those that did not understand will notice their competitors taking off the ground and they will come back to you and ask for services.

imo. I wish that actually happened :))

[Perplexed]

Maybe that should be the crux of the email.... Have you noticed all your competitors sneaking past you? Ever wondered why? .....

Mind you, I am not sure that I would like to get an email like that either. These things need VERY careful wording. It is an art all in itself.

You have a naff site, let me improve it for you.... is probably never going to succeed as well as.... You have a great site... but have you thought of....

Tell them they are brilliant, and you could make them even more so.

[chiyo]

One reason could be that many of these abandoned sites were not the result of any serious strategy anyway, and were put up because it cost very little, and was a good way to get their sons and daughters interested in their business. There was never any serious budget for it, and probably never will be.

I wouldnt even refer to their existing site initially. Only comment on it when they do! Approach them with a simple proposition on the benefits of a web site to them, and dont forget that for many companies, a website is not the necessity that many would make it out to be. For others pehaps it justifies a $1,000 to 2,000 budget annually but thats all, just to have a presence with their address and services in case people search for them on the net. That budget does not allow much for web design when you take our hosting fees etc etc.