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Will a website help my grandad's offline business?

Discussion in 'General Business' started by lolage, May 20, 2008.

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  1. #1
    My grandad has his own shop selling fires and fireplaces. He is not doing very well at the moment and is just about breaking even. He has NO website whatsoever..

    Will me making him a website boost his sales? Should i build a website just to advertise the shop or would it help selling some on the internet too?

    Thanks for any help. Ben.
     
    lolage, May 20, 2008 IP
  2. wisdomtool

    wisdomtool Moderator Staff

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    #2
    Definitely, think of the web site as a 24/7 salesman for your grand dad. Setup costs as well as maintenance costs are low compared to really hiring a salesman. Even if it does not bring in the actual sales, it will help in creating awareness for his business.
     
    wisdomtool, May 20, 2008 IP
  3. caj

    caj Active Member

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    #3
    Well you can try it say for few months and compare the results of your grand dad online sales against offline. Try it and a website doesn't cost him much anyway.
     
    caj, May 20, 2008 IP
  4. skaterkee

    skaterkee Well-Known Member

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    #4
    It's always good to have a web presence, but I'm guessing your grandad's shop is local. Other local advertising methods may be better.

    Maybe if he wants to go national then it could be a good idea.
     
    skaterkee, May 20, 2008 IP
  5. falguni1

    falguni1 Peon

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    #5
    yes online website will help to explain your services better.

    you can provide images on your site
     
    falguni1, May 20, 2008 IP
  6. lolage

    lolage Active Member

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    #6
    For his shop the only decent domain left is .org

    is .org ok? :(
     
    lolage, May 20, 2008 IP
  7. RomanticGuy

    RomanticGuy Active Member

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    #7
    Making a website for your granddad's business is a good idea. It would help new customers find him and see the products before they make the drive to the store.

    I would try to stick with a .com. Is TOWNfireplaces.com or something similar available?
     
    RomanticGuy, May 20, 2008 IP
  8. lolage

    lolage Active Member

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    #8
    Yes, but wouldnt it be a better idea to have [actualshopname].org ?
     
    lolage, May 20, 2008 IP
  9. megadeth199

    megadeth199 Active Member

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    #9
    I think that a actualshopname.com will be better :cool:
     
    megadeth199, May 20, 2008 IP
  10. RomanticGuy

    RomanticGuy Active Member

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    #10
    No. People are going to type "TOWN fireplaces". TOWNfireplaces.com will have a heads up on ranking for the term. People who type in the shop name are probably going to end up at the .com website :( .

    A friend of my Dad is a divorce lawyer. His website is TOWNdivorce.com. He ranks #1 for "TOWN divorce" with essentially no SEO work.:)
     
    RomanticGuy, May 20, 2008 IP
  11. lolage

    lolage Active Member

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    #11
    :rolleyes: thats taken.

    Hmm, ok il consider it. :)
     
    lolage, May 20, 2008 IP
  12. lolage

    lolage Active Member

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    #12
    Oh one more thing - if i use [Town]fireplaces should i have the title as [townfireplaces] or [actualshopname]
     
    lolage, May 20, 2008 IP
  13. RomanticGuy

    RomanticGuy Active Member

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    #13
    That's a good question. I would include both:

    Title: [Town] Fireplaces - Granddad's Fire and Stove
    Description: Granddad's Fire and Stove has a complete selection of fireplaces and fireplace accessories. Serving the [Major town], [Large town] and [Large town] areas for over 15 years.

    If TOWNfireplaces.com ranks well, it could be an asset when your granddad decides to retire. He could sell the website/domain to a local competitor or include it in the sale of the business.
     
    RomanticGuy, May 20, 2008 IP
  14. Sohan

    Sohan Peon

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    Sohan, May 20, 2008 IP
  15. jrbiz

    jrbiz Acclaimed Member

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    #15
    I would also suggest that your grand dad do some local promotions. E.g., he should have an alliance program with home developers, plumbers, electricians, etc., to have them help to promote his business (he can do the same for them.) He should also consider writing an article for the local newspaper telling folks how to save money on their heating bills, how to have a 'green' fireplace, etc. There are many other things that he could be doing locally in addition to setting up a website.
     
    jrbiz, May 20, 2008 IP