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The short answer is yes... but the learning curve is not for everyone. On a basic level, you need to know either HTML or a page authoring program, and how to transfer files using FTP. On a more advanced level, there's a lot more to know such as design principles, image editing techniques, browser and cross-platform compatibility, optimization techniques and e-commerce maintenance. Often small business owners are putting all their energy into expanding their business, and becoming web designers is not at the top of the list. The bottom line is this: while it can be an advantage for some businesses to bring site maintenance in-house, and it's not so difficult to learn the basics, there is also an advantage to having a dedicated company servicing the web site smoothly and efficiently. A middle of the road approach is to use a consultant and designer for the more advanced services and design elements, and keep the costs down by learning how to update your own text content.
For many companies, at least a bi-monthly e-mailed newsletter can be a great way to keep in touch with, and increase, a client base and give a sense of value and personality to an enterprise. Some companies would benefit further from a hardcopy newsletter with subscriptions. Among the main goals of a profitable newsletter are helping to create continual interest and value, communicating a project's agenda, and increasing a client base. But don't underestimate the amount of work involved in producing a quality newsletter. Even if the design, printing and mailing are taken care of by a dedicated professional, you still have to create content and develop themes. It is important to plan well, research your market and get the best help you can find. When all the right ingredients are put together, the newsletter can be a great success.
Tape recording, or even video taping, conferences and presentations to use the material for other promotional efforts such as web site and newsletter content; putting a link to your web site on every correspondence; creating only the promotional items that advertise your company efficiently (a mug doesn't go very far, but a t-shirt can be a walking billboard!); document employee training to create streamlined training booklets that you can sell... |
