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04 May 2004
E-Business is BIG Business!
The trend for online shopping continues to rise, and not just in line with increased Internet access. As website fraud protection systems improve a behavioural change has been seen with users less reluctant to shop online. Now regarded as perfectly acceptable to the business, as well as the private shopper, it is a fact that e-business is here to stay.Millions purchase online every day and an increasing number of these are corporate or business buyers who use the Internet to source and select their supplier. Internet access, keyboard and search engine have replaced what was previously done via a telephone call, meeting and handshake, proving the point that 'positioning' of an e-business website needs to be spot on. Some 70% of e-commerce transactions originate from search engines, but even the best web optimisation programme will fail to result in sales if the website doesn't support the business ideals.
Coastdigital has a clear viewpoint on these issues and work with their clients to answer such questions as: What are the business objectives and how can they be delivered through an online medium? What sort of web presence will create the right environment for shoppers? How will the site be optimised, and, most importantly, how will the client see a return on their investment and an increase in trade?
SP Communications approached Coastdigital to create a website that would not only promote trade, but give them a market presence. Incorporated in May 2003, the two directors, Richard Lane and Paul Miller, had ambitious plans to bring a range of hands free options to mobile phone users. At that time they knew nothing of the planned legislation banning hand held phones whilst driving, but were convinced that their backgrounds in IT and communications would provide a unique offering to the corporate and individual market. The company was to begin trading in December 2003 - the same month in which the legislation became effective - and high on their list of priorities was the creation of a website that would serve as the company's main marketing tool.
As their new site would need to be listed at the top of major search engines, the directors of SP Communications selected their website provider by looking on those same directories. Coastdigital was the clear leader, consistently returned on search results, highly regarded amongst corporate referrers, and with a profile to match.
Work on a dynamic, flexible website began. In an environment of relentless product evolution, site changes would need to run in tandem with new developments, and this has been achieved through the use of a content management system. The specification demanded that the site contain a corporate client log-in area, where orders could be placed on line and automatically acknowledged by email. Security of e-commerce transactions was essential, as was integration with in-house systems such as SAGE and ACT, which allow the company to automatically export information into their sales and accounts software. This feature has a huge impact in terms of cost and resource savings, as well as providing a mechanism for evaluating marketing campaigns.
From the outset, SP Communications regarded their new website as a major marketing tool. The results have not disappointed! In just over three months, 450 orders have been placed on line and company growth is already standing at some 30% month on month. Richard Lane explains: "We didn't know exactly what to expect, but we have seen the website driving our business in terms of sales and marketing, and become indispensable with regard to management of accounts and customer contact. Working with Coastdigital was plain sailing. Even though our requirements were technically challenging, their service and delivery of the product was faultless". About Coastdigital Coastdigital is an award winning web design and Internet marketing agency based in Colchester, Essex. Our range of services includes web design, web development, content management, Internet marketing and website hosting. We provide clients in Essex, London and throughout the UK with advice and guidance on a range of key issues including website accessibility and usability.
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