Many business owners know that they could be doing more with the internet to promote their company but often they are not sure where to start.

Search Engine Optimisation, Sponsored Links, Website Updates, Blogs, Social Networking and E-mail marketing are just some of the options on offer. Which can be most beneficial to me? – or should I be looking at a strategy combining a number of approaches?

As an accredited associate of the Manufacturing Advisory Service – North West, BSA Marketing can undertake a comprehensive review of your web strategy to help clarify your options and show the best way forward.

If your North West based business is an SME* involved with the manufacturing/processing sector then the review could be100% funded** so there would be no cost to you. Get more information on the web reviews here

Even better, if you decide on things you want to do, you may be eligible** for further government subsidised project implementation work. Get more information on subsidised** project work here

NOTES:

*SME definition:

Companies with up to 250 employees and/or up to €50m turnover. In addition, no more than 25% of the company should be owned by a group with more than 250 employees and/or €50m turnover.

**Eligibility and Availability:

• All MAS services are subject to availability and eligibility criteria.
• Free reviews and subsidised project work are available to North West based small and medium size (SME**) manufacturers or related companies (including research, design, logistics & warehousing etc).
• Large North West manufacturers and related companies can benefit from a free MAS review if they engage their suppliers to benefit from the MAS programme.
• Due to limited availability, MAS North West reserves the right to prioritise its subsidised services.
• Companies not eligible for MAS subsidised support can purchase MAS services at standard rates.

As a marketer, I am a great fan of e-commerce for smaller retail businesses as it is a great way to get close to your customers & service a wide marketplace without spiraling overheads.

However, when making the decision to set up an ecommerce site, one key question is which shopping cart system to go for. There are many on the market, but which is the right one?

I recently found a useful summary of the main carts on the market which highlights their advantages & disadvantages so I thought I would share it:

www.itwebexperts.com/oscommerce_zencart_xcart_comparison.php

We develop our sites in CRE loaded, and the key reason for this is its flexibility. I am a marketer and as such believe that e-commerce is a marketing and not an IT issue. I am also firm believer that your business should drive the e-commerce system, and not the other way round.

CRE loaded is relatively easy to customise, so when a customer comes to me and says “Can I ……. with the online shop?” The answer is invariably “Yes” and the solution will not normally be expensive to implement.

So if you are considering taking the plunge into e-commerce, I recommend reading the above review, and feel free to contact us, as we are always happy to discuss the options.