Westlake Business Update

Local Business on the Internet! July 1997

What can the Internet do for a local business? As we all know, the Internet is a global marketing medium. A way to communicate interactive information during all hours of the day and all points around the world. But many companies don't care what the person in Siberia thinks about their web site! So is there an advantage? A couple things to focus on, is the fact that the Internet is also a valuable resource and networking tool. The way you approach your Internet solution is perhaps more important than what you have to offer! A good example of this theme is the legal industry. There are thousands of web sites dedicated to providing a legal directory or advertisement. There are even more attorneys or law firms with web sites that offer biographies, case studies and service information. But a strong approach can separate your web site from the rest!
Recently, I had the pleasure of working with an attorney in the local area that already had a web site. Just having the web site was not what was most impressive. The approach was unique and valuable to the local community and general public. The law offices of Neil Krupnick & Associates (NKA) is a local law firm specializing in personal injury, and can be found on the web at www.neilkrupnick.com at any time. But what was so special about the approach? Simple, I found the web site to offer valuable insight to the field of personal injury. I had no idea how to approach a situation that would merit the retaining of an attorney. I found the web site included a section for FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) which allowed me to relate to the subject from the stand point of the average 3rd party consumer. The web site also featured a glossary and real life situations and examples for my reference. I then realized that this web site turned out to be a valuable resource for general information.
"I felt that there was something I could offer the community," Neil told me. "I didn't want to just have a web site as an advertisement. I wanted current and potential clients to understand more about my services, myself, and their own situation. If our web site can offer itself as a valuable resource for the community at large, then I feel that would make it a success." (NKA) even gained a couple clients that took advantage of the web site. The first came from utilizing the web site as a valuable resource. A gentleman involved in an accident wanted to retain an attorney locally. He called several and in the evening, found neilkrupnick.com. After reviewing the information, he showed it to several family members and friends, and everyone agreed that in the morning he should contact their offices. What (NKA) discovered is that their web site answered questions that he had not originally thought of, and some that other attorneys did not answer. He spent several hours on the site and retained the services of Neil Krupnick & Associates the following day.
The second is a prime example of the networking that makes the Internet so special. An attorney from out of state knew of a person recently involved in an auto accident. He scourged the web and found neilkrupnick.com. He then referred the person to the site. The person in question could not leave his home in his condition, but was able to review the information presented on the web site. He then contacted (NKA), who made the house call, and retained their services.
The Internet may not be for everybody. But how you present your web site will be the difference in the marketplace. The Internet can offer a great deal of information, because that is what it was originally developed for. Take advantage of it, and be my next month's spotlight on successful local business on the Internet!