Internet Planning and Profit Internet: Planning and Profit
You've heard all about it. The Internet, be there or be square. The Third Wave, it will dramatically change the way we do ... well, everything. Like any Gold Rush, well meaning but ill-equipped amateurs are offering you every kind of tool and service imaginable. Cottage industries crop up and offer bargain rate web sites that are little more than space on a computer connected to the Internet. Multi-national consultant corporations offer complete business revamping from supplier to customer, all web based and very expensive. And the failures are dramatic. Even today's supposed success stories of overnight millionaires are not making a profit and don't plan to make a profit for years to come. But there are quiet successes, web sites that are making a profit. Your path to profit is simple and logical. Your effectiveness is easily measured.
 

Start by looking at your own business. Is it something you can sell over the Internet? Can you service international customers? Or are you a local business like a restaurant? Even local businesses need to attract and maintain customers and the Internet is the perfect place to centralize communications with your customers.

There are three basic types of web sites.

 
Electronic Publisher. These are the new media, the web sites that provide information and draw readers. Often called Portals they cover a wide range of style and content. The one common factor is that their income is dependent on advertising. Examples: www.yahoo.com, www.marinersguide.com and www.wired.com. 
 
Electronic Commerce web sites simply sell something. These are the new Catalog Companies. They sell everything from automobiles to sweaters. Examples: www.amazon.com and www.cdnow.com. 
 
Corporate Page. Your business card on the Internet. These pages announce your products and services to the world and offer additional contacts and information. Examples: www.tekvantage.com and www.garelick.com. 
 
How will your web site fit into your business plan? How do you build an effective web site? And how do you promote your web site? These pages will provide some insight.
Let's take a look at your corporate page. Here are some ideas to enhance your web site and develope a relationship with your customers. Planning your Web site

How much should you be spending on advertising? How much should you spend on the Internet? Here a guide to a successfule advertising budget. Your Advertising Budget

Now let's take a look at a sample Internet budget. Your Internet Budget
The staff at TekVantage can help you plan your Internet presents. Send us email. We'll be glad to answer your questions.