Four Types of Web Sites to Consider

Inner-directed web sites are created from the business's point of view. The home page typically features the firm's logo and accomplishments. Inner-directed web sites do not focus on specific products or services.

Information-oriented web sited provide more information about the firm's products and services. These sites function like electronic brochures. Information-oriented web sites reflect more of a customer focus but rarely communicate urgency or establish a two-way information exchange.

Transaction-oriented web sites assume that ever visitor is ready to buy and accordingly, place an emphasis upon the price, product features and benefits. These sites place a premium on urgency. Price is used to encourage visitors to order "right now!". Although transaction-oriented web sites are the fastest-growing category of web sites, these sites depend heavily on private incentive and may often fail to offer visitors a reason to return until the next time they are in the market to buy.

Relationship-oriented web sites attempt to forge long-term bonds with web site visitors by establishing an ongoing dialog with them, fine-tuning the relationship between buyer and seller, and rewarding previous customers so they'll not only buy again, but also recommend the firm to their friends. Relationship-oriented web sites are intended to advance customers along the customer development cycle.

Tips to Promote Your Store
- Submit your URL to search engines
- Negotiate cross-links with other sites
- Buy links from other sites
- Set up affiliate programs
- Research and post to relevant newsgroups
- Keep refreshing your content
- Advertise on-line with banner ads
- Market via E-mail
- Create a signature file
- Issue press releases
- Print your URL EVERYWHERE