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TechPoint Newsletter - July 2007
In this issue ...
The Death of Radio
by Joe Perraton
I was just reading an article on the Globe and Mail's website about the end of the Golden Age of radio. According to a report cited, young people are increasingly ditching their radios for downloads and web broadcasts, and as the Internet changes the way people find and listen to music and talk-radio, it's inevitable that even more audiences will move from the airwaves to the Internet. Imagine being in the radio business: you've got no choice but to adapt to the technology or suffer the slow inevitable collapse of your business.
It doesn't take a visionary to see the implications of this for any company as young adults grow up and begin to take over the helm of business and industry. In some industries like radio the whole business model may have to be re-examined in order to succeed. Broadcasters' investment in the Internet will have to be substantial and it will need to be done quickly; for them the train is already leaving the station. For most businesses the movement in the radio industry is the proverbial "canary in the coal mine" and we all need to take heed.
There is a large and growing group of people who prefer to communicate and get information via the Internet -- right now, there are people looking for your business on the Internet. Maybe they're existing clients, maybe they're potential clients or maybe they're suppliers. Whatever the case they are looking, whether they find your business or not. This is a new way of looking at things and for many traditional business people it will require a real mind shift to understand and effectively use the Internet as new media. The key point every business owner must accept and plan for is that clients and prospective clients are examining and rating the businesses they interact with based on the presence they have, or do not have, on the Internet. It doesn't matter whether it's one client per month or 1,000 -- businesses have to be prepared and have their best foot forward online.
Success online is not just about technology; that's just the first step. The second and most important is content and communication. At Point One Media when we talk about communicating with current and prospective clients, a big part of the conversation revolves around finding out how each client wants to communicate then following their lead. No matter what age or demographic you're talking about, each person has very specific preferences about how they want to receive information. From phone calls and faxes to email and websites our goal is to be prepared to deliver information and communicate using whatever method the client prefers. It's just good business to cover all your bases and in the information age having every possible method of communication at your disposal just makes it easier for clients to do business with you.
A major problem for most businesses is not just figuring out how to develop a great website, but deciding how to keep it fresh and current so site visitors see the company as vibrant and growing, not stale and old. There are a lot of wonderful technical services you can include on your website, but the key ingredient is your input and commitment to keep the content fresh and interesting by deciding what content is appropriate and how often it should be updated. Many businesses simply don't think they have anything content-wise that would fit, but this is not the case. Every month most businesses are starting and finishing projects, developing new products and services, gaining new clients, hiring new staff and participating in a plethora of other activities that can be used to attract and inform clients on the web.
Every business should dedicate some time and resources to keeping its information online current and interesting to site visitors. There are many benefits ranging from customer satisfaction to higher rankings on search engines. The way you interact and communicate in your business must be adapted to meet the needs of clients and prospective clients who prefer to use the web and email to communicate and gather information.
In the end the underlying tone of The Globe's article was that the radio business is in the midst of a large and rapid transition and those who adapt to new technology will survive and succeed. Those who don't will slowly lose business until they are no longer viable. The key for success in the radio business is making the transition from delivering a steady stream of information and content over the airwaves to taking full advantage of the Internet. This is also the key for your business.
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Our Recent Projects
Client: 3D Geomatics Inc.
Project overview:
This project is currently in production.
3D Geomatics Inc., Digital Drafting, Design and Surveys is a British Columbia corporation based centrally on Vancouver Island, offering services locally as well as regionally.
Our proposal was aimed at providing owner Barry Fisk with an updated website that was both functional and affordable. The solution was obvious -- our new Launch Point website option was a perfect fit. The Launch Point website will give 3D Geomatics Inc. the opportunity to present a new look and meet their budget requirements.
The new strategy resulted in the following:
 Improved Interface and User Experience -- A professional web site that better reflects the company direction.- Effective Marketing Tool -- 3D Geomatics Inc. is now able to update its own web content, giving the company the ability to keep its business-related information current, a strong marketing tool in today's competitive marketplace.
Applications used:
Web Editor and Photo Gallery Application
Product overview:
When the site is complete, 3D Geomatics will be able to offer its clients a useful and easy to navigate web resource. Potential clients will be able to review projects and photos that reflect the company's professionalism.
Technologies:
Client Side HTML, DHTML
Server Side PHP, Content Management System, Administration Area
Platform/OS Windows XP, Mac, Linux
Client comments:
I have had the opportunity to work with Point One Media over the past three years and I have found them to be easy to work with and they offer great business solutions. We are excited to get the new site launched and we're impressed with Point One's entry level website pricing.
Barry Fisk, Owner
3D Geomatics Inc.
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Get an Expert Analysis of your Website
This month we are offering industry businesses the opportunity to have a no-cost, no-obligation website analysis done by our senior technical and marketing experts. This comprehensive report will examine and rate your website in key areas including design and navigation, usability, content, layout, functionality, technology and much more. The Report will also include a set of recommendations to address any shortcomings or improvements that should be made to your site.
Again, this is a FREE two-page Report designed help you evaluate the success of your company website and to advise you about what can be done to improve your Return on Investment (ROI).
If you'd like a FREE analysis by our expert staff simply complete the questionnaire below or call us toll free at 1.877.755.2762. All information will be strictly confidential. Once we receive this information we will analyze your site and contact you with further questions. Once completed we will email you a full report on your site and call you to review our findings.
Click here to find out more!
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Getting Started on the Right Foot
If you need a new website that provides a strong technological foundation and top-quality sales and marketing structure, Point One Media has the perfect solution. Our Launch Point website is a fantastic entry level product designed to give business clients everything they need to maximize their Internet success.
From high-quality design with search engine-friendly architecture to the easy-to-use navigation and expandable functionality, there is simply no better and more economical product to build your online business. The Launch Point site will provide your company with:
• A domain name <www.yourcompanyname.com> (or the transfer of an existing domain)
• Up to ten customized email addresses with a web-based email service
• Two website design proof-of-concepts to choose from
• Three web pages including: Home, Products & Services and a Contact Form (additional pages extra)
• Focused engineering for successful global search engine indexing
• Standard monthly web statistic reporting
• Creative writing and graphic design services
• Engineering to facilitate expansion for any future growth including e-commerce, inventory mangers and more
How easy is it to get started? Too easy. All we need is 30 minutes of your time and any logos or company pictures you can easily provide. Call or email today and we can help your company with a successful launch or relaunch on the Internet. Call toll-free 1.877.755.2762 or email <info@pointonemedia.com>.
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