Choosing the right online catalogue and automated e-commerce system can change the dynamics of your business!

When choosing an online catalogue system you are making a decision that can affect your business far into the future.

1. Chose your web catalogue system carefully:
   
   It must have databases that are customised to suit your business needs and you must be able to manage your website and catalogue in-house ...
   
   ...so you can quickly upload pictures, change descriptions, change prices, edit pages, create promotions, and upload online announcements, when it suits you, without the need for programming skills or the involvement of technical people.
    
2. Think of your web catalogue as your store front.
   
   In a bricks and mortar store you have display windows that you change regularly with the seasons, for special occasions, or to introduce or promote new products.
   
   By changing your ONLINE display windows regularly your HOME PAGE is kept fresh and interesting to visitors and the search engines. 
    
3. Your web catalogue must be designed to grow with your business.
   
   It needs to expand to fit your future business needs no matter how big or small your business is now.
   
   You don't want to have to invest in a new system when your business outgrows your current catalogue.
    
4. Your catalogue system should be integrated with a CRM system. 
   
   A Customer Relationship Management system enables you to communicate with your customers and continuously develop their trust and loyalty.
    
5. You need to work with a team that provides you with the tools to continuously enhance your web presence.
   
   You must  be given the tools to manage the content of your website and to keep your website fresh and active.
   
   How many times have you visited a website that is just plain boring because it is basicly a copy of a print brochure that never changes from one year to the next?
   
   Remember, most people are going to your website for information - it needs to be kept fresh and relevant.
    
6. Your catalogue system must be user friendly
   
   You don’t expect customers to knock on your door and enter a password before letting them into your bricks and mortar shop – so why expect them to wait for a flash presentation to finish before letting them into your website. 
   
   A well designed catalogue system needs to be intuitive, customers should not have to read a page of directions to find what they want and buy it. Every click after three is costing you lost sales!
    
7. Make sure you are aligned with a team that is dedicated to providing you with ongoing professional support when you need it.
   
   Make sure you select a web development team that has experience in consumer marketing as well as demonstrated high level skills in IT Programming, Web Development, and Database Development.
   
   Bad catalogue systems are designed by programmers who do not understand eCommerce; who are not “walking with the customer”, and do not appreciate what web marketing is all about. 
   
   If you want more information on how you can build a profitable online business through automated online catalogues, newsletters,  promotional email, and Autoresponders contact Mike Greenfield, Marketing Director, SiteDesignNOW.com
   
   mike@sitedesignow.com
   Resource: Mike Greenfield, SiteDesignNOW.com
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