BenchMark MultiMedia E-Commerce Website by WebDrafter.com

Benchmark MultiMedia Reveals their E-commerce Website

Benchmark MultiMedia boasts fast turnaround on their interactive media, CD-DVD Replication & Duplication, Digipaks and more. They offer free online quotes but the key to this company that we have found and have enjoyed working with is the 100 % customer satisfaction and pride in what they do.

Visit their website at http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com today for all of your multimedia needs!

Web design & e-commerce for Benchmark by WebDrafter.com

Offer E-Coupons from Your Website!

Did you know…

In a study by ICOM Information and Communications, 71% of 18-to 34-year olds said they were more likely to use coupon in an economic downturn, and 58% of respondents were interested in paperless coupons! You can cultivate customers—even during an economic downturn—by sending e-coupons through an opt-in e-mail list set up on your website.

It’s one more way a WebSite solution can benefit you as a small- to medium-sized business owner! For details call 866-421-3723 or visit us today at www.webdrafter.com.

Mother's Day & Internet Search Results

Did you know…

According to Hitwise in the UK “Searches for the term ‘Mother’s Day’ have been on the rise for a few weeks, and last week were 6% higher than the equivalent week last year.”

Search Marketing expert Doug Caverly at WebProNews.com writes, “If your business can in any way profit from Mother’s Day search results, we’d suggest you set yourself to the task immediately.”

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11, and consumers are already gearing up for the holiday! Make sure your business is online and ready to support your customers!

We can help! Contact WebDrafter.com for a free consultation.

Website to Increase Offline Sales

Use your Online Presence to increase Offline Sales!

“Any retailer who isn’t using the online channel to promote offline sales—as well as online sales—is missing a sizable opportunity.” That’s what recent research from eMarketer.com indicates.

“Channels” is a term that describes the different methods consumers use to retrieve information about a product or service (like Web sites and catalogues). According to eMarketer’s Jeffrey Grau, “Today, online consumers think nothing of shopping across a retailer’s stores, Web site, and catalog…As a consequence, online product research is driving more in-store sales than online sales.”

You may remember that we recently discussed this new eMarketer research, which shows when businesses leverage the Internet, they benefit through consumer product research.

“Online consumers…are availing themselves of the wealth of information resources online to discover and evaluate products, compare them and find where they can be purchased.”

“As much as online shopping is a convenience and the online shopping experience continuously improves, people are not about to abandon stores anytime soon,” says Grau, “So if your cross-channel capabilities are still in the early stages of development, don’t despair…The majority of multi-channel retailers still have work to do to resolve organizational and IT issues that stand in their path.”

That’s great news for you if you are evaluating whether now is the right time to start your own internet presence—you'll still be getting in on the ground floor!

Call WebDrafter.com today for a free consultation 866-421-3723.

Well Designed Web Site - Website Redsign

“Why every business needs a well-designed Web site!”

A recent survey by MaCorr Research and 1 & 1 Internet released last week shows that a business should not only have a website, but now surprise also have a Web site that’s designed well, too! Those surveyed placed particular importance on finding contact information for a business.

Here’s some info to keep in mind when evaluating your website or planning your new website.

• 91% of consumers surveyed said they are irritated when they can’t find contact information on a Web site. In fact, of those who were irritated, 48% said they were angry enough to tell someone, and 5% said they were brought to tears or violence!
• 77% of Americans report that they would switch to a competitor if a business Web site did not provide ways to communicate, such as contact information.
• 85% surveyed said the ability to contact a business was the most important aspect of using a business’ Web site.

Remember, your Web site solution includes a page dedicated to this vital information—it’s an easy way to ensure people like those surveyed will have a pleasant experience. And the good news is 85% of respondents said they will bookmark a business’ Web site when they have a good experience! So your Web solution can render repeat customers!

The surveyed also found that 51% of respondents will choose a small- to medium-sized business over a big corporation! People preferred the personal touch of an SMB, according to the results.

“It is therefore vital for SMBs to utilize communication tools to provide that personal attention,” the survey concluded.

And, in case there was any doubt on the matter, a substantial 89% said they expect all businesses to have a Web site, no matter what its size!

We have the power to help you, the small- and medium-sized businesses develop a Web site that guarantees customer satisfaction.
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Did you know…

A survey released by Sterling Commerce found that 64% of all respondents went online before making a purchase in the past three months.

57% said the Web is becoming an important touch-point, often serving as a research tool before a store purchase.

These numbers show that the Internet can absolutely work hand-in-hand with traditional shopping methods to turn a small- or medium-sized business into a powerful force!

Call WebDrafter.com today for your free consultation866.421.3723

Internet Myths: Small business & Websites

Entrepreneur.com’s 11 Internet Myths Debunked features classic presumptions from business owners along with some blunt advice from Web guru Justin Kitch. Four myths listed below.

Myth: “I don’t need a Web site.” As you know by now, this is an objection that can easily be overcome with some industry-specific benefits. Kitch’s response to this myth is simple: “You’re missing a chance to be open 24/7. Why would you not do that?”

Myth: “The Yellow Pages is all I need.” According to Kitch, more than half of a business’ potential new customers are using online search and directories instead of turning to the phone book. Studies by firms like the Kelsey Group repeatedly show that the physical Yellow Pages are being tossed aside as technology takes the helm.

Myth: “My business is local.” Your prospect has the opportunity to extend its reach to millions of potential customers--why think small? No matter what their industry or location, there is no way an online presence can hurt, and there is no reason that they can’t keep the same personal touch for which SMBs are preferred by many.

Myth: “Being small is a huge disadvantage.” As mentioned above, plenty of consumers favor SMBs. According to Kitch, “By nature, customers would rather deal with a small business.” He advises business owners to embrace their company’s size and use the opportunity to tell their story.

Do you have questions regarding websites and the internet? Sign up for online Webinars on website basics or search engine basics at www.wesite411book.com or if you are looking for a free consultation call www.WebDrafter.com today. 866-421-3723

Microsoft-Yahoo - Search Ads & SEO

Would Microsoft-Yahoo! Mean More Competition?

FEBRUARY 5, 2008

On the surface, Microsoft's $44 billion offer to acquire Yahoo! seems to simplify the US search market share race.

The combined firm would be second in online ad revenues to No.1 Google, and ahead of AOL. In 2007, Google rang up nearly $6 billion, while Yahoo! had about $3.4 billion and MSN had $1.4 billion net revenues.

The top four portals totaled $12.2 billion in online ad revenue for the year.
eMarketer's projections put this at more than half of the $21.4 billion market total.

For search ads in particular, Microsoft-Yahoo! would have roughly 18% market share of the search-based ad market, compared with 75% for Google, according to Sandeep Aggarwal, analyst at Oppenheimer & Co., as cited in a Wired article.

eMarketer put search advertising spending at more than $8.6 billion in 2007.

Read more in full article from eMarketer: Click Here

Regardless of the outcome no one can argue that even with Microsoft and Yahoo losing share 30% of the search market is nothing to frown about. Google's 65% of the search market drives much of the SEO (Search Engine Optimzation) and online advertising. According to eMarketer search ads will comprise 40% of the online advertising market for the next several years. Moreover, online advertising has been a bright spot of growth in an otherwise lackluster ad market.

How does this effect you? This doesn't mean run out and empty your marketing budget, but if you haven't yet thought about marketing your business online there is no better time to get your feet wet!

Gas Prices & Internet Shoppping

Gas Prices Affect Consumer Behavior!

Forty-nine percent of US consumers are reducing their spending to compensate for rising gas prices, according to the Center for Media Research and Nielsen Research. The article reports 70% of consumers are combining shopping trips and errands, 41% are eating out less and 39% are staying home more often.

“Our research shows a jump in consumers shopping on the Internet as a way to deal with high gas prices…a wake-up call for manufacturers and retailers alike to step up their ‘direct-to-consumer’ efforts to utilize the Internet to communicate directly with consumers in 2008…”

Now more than ever consumers are looking to the Internet as a convenient, economical alternative to using fuel. What does this mean for the small to medium size business? You can earn customers and generate online sales with an e-commerce website.

Learn what questions to ask your web developer before getting started in the book, "Website 411: Business Survival in an Internet Economy" by Tom Elliott or call WebDrafter.com today for a free consulation.

WeDrafter.com Wins World Wide Web Award: Gold Award 2008

The Gold Award recognizes clean and organized design, user friendliness, quality content and informative information for website visitors.

WebDrafter.com, Incorporated has won the World Wide Web Awards Gold Award. The World Wide Web Awards is dedicated to recognizing website design excellence. To qualify for a gold award, a website must have, “…at least 95 percent of original content and creativity and provide outstanding design and layout of website. Its content is something that will interest any and all visitors who visit their site.”

The WebDrafter.com website has been recently updated to streamline its navigation, create a more intuitive interface, and add more information to educate site visitors about its services.

WebDrafter’s consistent adherence to high design character, combined with an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction contributed to their meeting the strict standards of excellence for this award. The award-winning ethics exemplified by this company are represented in the book, Website 411: Business Survival in an Internet Economy (ISBN 0-7414-4455-0 available through Amazon.com). WebDrafter.com was previously the recipient of the 2007 World Wide Web Silver Award. A leading Web solution provider, WebDrafter is also a member of the International Webmasters Association, HTML Writers Guild, and remains a member of the Better Business Bureau Reliability program with a spotless record. For more information or to inquire about Website design, Search Engine Optimization and Marketing (SEO / SEM), and ecommerce solutions, call 1-866-421-3723 or visit www.WebDrafter.com online today.

Online Internet Purchases Increasing

According to The Nielsen Company, more than 85% of the world’s online population has used the Internet to make a purchase. That’s a 40% increase over the past two years.

Nielsen reports that globally, more than half of Internet users have made purchases online in the past month.

Nielsen’s International President Jonathan Carson said, “The Internet is no longer a niche technology—it is mass media and an utterly integral part of modern life. Almost no aspect of life remains untouched by online media. As our lives become more fractured and cluttered, it isn’t surprising that consumers turn to the unrivaled convenience of the Internet when it comes to researching and buying products.”

Nielsen’s research further proves that the Internet opens a literal world of possibilities for business owners looking to expand their market. As a business owner that equates to the possiblity of 875 million pairs of eyes searching for your site…you can’t get that kind of exposure anywhere but the Internet!

Not sure if you are ready to advertise or do business online? Learn more by reading newly published book "Website 411: Business Survival in an Internet Economy" by Tom Elliott available online at www.website411book.com.

Website Redesign for Galler Law by WebDrafter.com

WebDrafter.com announces the revamped website for Galler Law Firm in Atlanta GA. Galler Law Firm focuses on Bankruptcy, Personal Injury & Workers Compensation. Visit www.gallerlaw.com, www.georgiabankruptcyattorney.net or www.atlanta-bankruptcy-attorney.blogspot.com.

Internet Influences In-Store Shopping

Did you know…

ShopLocal’s December Shopping Index has been released, and it shows that the Internet has a heavy influence on in-store shopping. ShopLocal CEO Vikram Sharma said, “The index reflects the growing use of the Internet by consumers and retailers to connect at the store…For retailers it is a timely, far-reaching and cost-effective way to present offers to consumers who appreciate the convenience of a more informed shopping trip.”

Sharma’s statement reflects the exact reason why every business needs a Web site. Consumers are doing more and more research, and their expectations about information availability are higher than ever. But your Web site solution offers business owners the opportunity to reach out to consumers…without exhausting their resources!

Internet to Influence 1/2 of all Retail Sales

Forrester Research reports that over ¼ of all retail sales are either directly or indirectly influenced by the Internet. Additionally, offline sales that are somehow influenced by the Internet will hit $1 trillion in 2011, accounting for nearly ½ of all retail sales!

This research is important—it shows just how imperative it is to have an online presence, and the need only increases as time marches on!

"Go Green" with Online Advertising & Web Site

Did you know that a Web site is not only a more effective way to drive customers to your business, but a more eco-friendly method as well!

In an effort to “Go Green,” many people are seeking to discontinue the delivery of their Yellow Pages and similar telephone directories. Experts attribute this movement to an emerging generation that prefers to use online and mobile resources when searching for businesses. And why not? Online research is faster, friendlier and provides more information in a fraction of the time!

“Yellow Page usage among people say, below (age) 50, will drop to zero or near zero over the next five years,” Bill Gates said at a summit in May of last year. "... people use the Internet approximately fifteen to one (15:1) over the phone book and other sources of consumer research. That's an increase from an estimated 7:1 just a few years ago" according to Tom Elliott in his book "Website 411: Business Survival in an Internet Economy". Businesses will have to adapt to these new online methods as the phone book becomes obsolete.

This method is “faster and more efficient and helps preserve the planet’s resources,” according to Geoff Wilson at Pseudofish.com. And how much of the planet’s resources could be saved in this effort? Environmentalist Larry West writes that, according to Green Valley Recycling in Los Gatos, Calif., and Modesto’s Parks and Recreation Department, if every American recycled their phone books for a year:

• We would save up to 650,000 tons of paper
• Free up to 2 million cubic yards of landfill space

And, for every 500 phone books recycled, we could save:

• 7,000 gallons of water
• 17-31 trees
• 4,100 kilowatts of electricity—enough to power an average home for six months.

Online Shopping from Work - E-commerce

Did you know…

eMarketer reports that Burst Media’s Online Insights study shows more than a quarter of at-work Web surfing unrelated to work is dedicated to online shopping. The numbers show that 31.7% of respondents spent time at work actually making a purchase, while researching and comparing prices weren’t far behind at 26.6% and 25.8%.

By having a Web site with e-commerce capabilities, your clients can reach those Web-surfing workers! It’s just another way that an effective Web presence allows for a wider customer base! WebDrafter.com can help with all your e-commerce needs. Call 866-421-3723 or visit www.webdrafter.com today for a free quote/consultation.

Biggest Online Spending Day in History

Green Monday lives up to its name!

Green Monday (December 10) was the heaviest online spending day of the season! In fact, the second Monday in December (which earned its nickname from eBay after massive profits last year) was the heaviest online spending day in history, according to comScore! How much was spent? comScore estimates $881 million.

If you are a business owner without a web presence you are missing your piece of the pie. Don't fret, it isn't too late. The online population isn’t done growing, that total is only going to rise! Online Marketing, websites and e-commerce are here to stay!

Call Webdrafter.com today for a free consultation on taking your business to the next level!

Webinar for Business Owners: Website Advertising, Search Engines etc

On January 23, 2008, Tom Elliott will be presenting a 90 minute session about Websites and doing business on the Internet. The seminar will be in a Web environment (Webinar) and will cover topics that directly impact your business's success online.

The topic will be geared for a non-technical audience, so the session will be easy to understand for a wide variety of business owners who may not be familiar or comfortable with Websites and the Internet. Expect to learn what is important about Search Engines, Website advertising, e-commerce security, and overall business practices on the Web. Bring your questions: This will be a small group and everyone will be able to interact on a telephone conference call while you view Tom's actual computer screen on your own computer.

Visit http://www.website411book.biz/411_intro_webinars.html for more information on the seminar (Webinar) and be sure to subscribe to Tom's Training calendar for upcoming Website, e-commerce, and search engine marketing topics. Attendance is limited, so do not delay in reserving your seat today!

Be sure to check out his newly published book, Website 411: Business Survival in an Internet Economy, available at www.website411book.com.

National Directory of Web Solution Providers

National Directory of Web Solution Providers

Commensurate with the publishing of his book, “Website 411 - Business Survival in an Internet Economy,” author Thomas M. Elliott has also launched his National Directory of Web Solution Providers.

Tom has been developing websites and working in the internet marketing, e-commerce, and search engine optimization fields for several years with his company www.webdrafter.com, and the publishing of his book (available at www.website411book.com) is only the latest example of his committment to educating today’s business owner on the power of the internet and the value of web presence and internet marketing. To anyone considering the impact a website and internet marketing can have on their business, Website 411 is a must read.

Along with the publishing of the book, Tom has also launched the Website411 book Website. Included in this website is not only access to purchase your own copy of Website 411, but also numerous special features - some available only to those that purchase the e-book version - as well as the National Directory of Website Solution Providers.

This directory is a useful tool for all business owners looking to find a quality developers in their local area. All web developers are welcome to visit www.website411book.com and apply to the directory. All listed developers work samples are reviewed and must be approved prior to listing.

Text Message Marketing: How to Create Your Own Campaign

Creating Your Own Text Marketing Campaign
by Tom Elliott

We live in a crazy world, don't we? Everyone races around day-to-day, each with their own agenda, and everyone's day is packed with persuasive advertisements, junk mail, email spam, TV commercials, and sales pitches. Wouldn't it be nice to just get the information you WANT, rather than to have a bunch of useless propaganda forced upon you?

Welcome to the world of Text Message Marketing. It's "advertisement on demand." The best part about it: it's not on the demand of the vendor; it's on the demand of the CUSTOMER.

As you probably are aware, there are businesses and agencies whose whole purpose in life is to collect information on consumers and then sell it to advertisers for very targeted promotions. That's NOT what we're talking about here. (Personally, I find that kind of advertisement invasive and offensive.)

Instead, Text Message Marketing is a systemized way of inviting customers (and potential customers) to request information from you, and you can create a mailing list of people who remain interested in what you offer once they've received the information you deliver. They can opt-out at any time. You don't have to pay high prices to advertise. You can reward your customers with discounts and coupons for their loyalty. Also, YOU own the information and your customers will be thankful that you keep their data private, without exploiting them by embracing mailing list suppliers, telemarketers, etc. Text Message Marketing is the perfect win-win. And it's BIG!

A few points to ponder as we continue:

• If you have ever used your cell phone to vote on a contestant in a televised singing contest, dance contest, talent show, or reality TV game, your cell phone information was "harvested" and added to someone's database.
• If you have ever responded to an add that says "text the word (whatever) to (phone number)", then you were added to a text message mailing list as you received the information you requested.
• Text messaging (and its associated abbreviated language) has become a BILLION dollar industry. It is effective enough that TV commercials now joke about it by having actors speak in the cryptic abbreviations while the translations appear as subtitles on the bottom of the screen. Why? Because millions of people do it nowadays (which sadly explains why kids can't spell correctly anymore.) LOL ("laugh out loud"... see what I mean?)

Usually this technology is insanely expensive to use, but I can help you get is set up for less than the cost of a small newspaper ad! And the monthly expenses? About the cost of a decent hamburger these days! If you want to learn more about this technology (which is INCREDIBLY simple to use), you'll soon be able to increase your customer base without invading their privacy, becoming a nuisance, or offending them.

To Learn More visit www.webdraftertexting.com!

This article is published with permission by Tom Elliott, author "The Website 411: Business Survival in an Internet Economy"

Website 411 Book: Business Survival in an Internet Economy - JUST PUBLISHED - Must read for all business owners!

Now available, Website 411: Business Survival in an Internet Economy helps business owners make informed buying decisions with regards to establishing an effective Web presence.

Tom Elliott combined his 9 years of Website and search engine experience with his research of over 500 companies in 32 cities to create a thorough book that explores the topics of Web sites, domain names, ecommerce, hosting, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), and usability. What makes this book different than any others on the topic? Website 411 is written in plain English, and it is geared towards the business owner, not the computer "expert."

This is a non-tech book on the topic of Websites. If the alphabet soup of HTML is intimidating and confusing, and if you aren't interested in becoming a programmer just so that you can achieve a return on investment from your Website, Website 411 explains the material in terms that will keep you engaged and interested. This book reflects that the author understands that you "just need to know what you need to know." When you are finished with this book you will be equipped to ask the right questions, know when you're getting the right answers, and avoid being "oversold" or "upsold" with unnecessary bells and whistles. You'll have the confidence to make the right informed Website decisions for your business.

As an added bonus, the book is supplemented with a complete Website, www.website411book.com, that offers special support and features such as:

• The National Directory of Website Solution Providers (a growing database of developers that Tom Elliott has personally screened for quality of work)
• A Discussion Forum (get all of your questions answered via message posts)
• A LIVE Chat Area (chat on the computer with Tom Elliott, the author)
• Free Software, Tools, and Resources (some is completely free, and others let you try before you buy)
• Articles and Tips (additional information to supplement the Website book)
• Quotable Quotes (use some of Tom Elliott's material to enhance your own work)
• Text Message Marketing (TMM) (access to get your own TMM portal)
• LIVE Webinars (subscribe to Tom Elliott's calendar and stay up-t0-date with his scheduled online classes-- at a HUGE discount!)

Check out his Webinar and Seminar Training Calendar:

The cover price of the book is $24.95, but you can get the book PLUS all of the extra features and bonus materials on www.website411book.com for about $20. Discover the benefits and learn more about the book by visiting now! You'll be amazed at the value!

When you shop for your Internet solution, be sure to compare notes with what we can do for you at WebDrafter.com, Inc. (www.webdrafter.com). WebDrafter.com is a complete Website solution provider. We'd love to answer your questions, too!