August 2005 Newsletter

Welcome to the August 2005 Decentrix eNewsletter!

The theme of this Summer newsletter is Website Traffic. The goal is to answer popular questions related to website visitors and general website traffic. Last, but not least, don't miss the DISH Network Website Enhancements article below to find out about some of the recent changes.

Website Traffic

There are many factors that contribute to website traffic. Starting a website is just like opening a new store. However wonderful and compelling a "site" is, without advertising, no traffic will be generated. Prospective customers need to know first that a business exists, then they need to know how to get to both the physical AND online business address.

Easy, quick tips with little effort to increase Website Traffic

• Phone Message:
  One good way to spread the word about a website is to mention the business website address in voicemail and on a telephone 'on hold' message inviting them to visit online. This gives prospects someplace to do research and place an order while on hold or if they are unable to make contact over the phone.
• Outside Signage:
  Adding a corporate website address on a physical building lets people know where to find the business online.
• Offline Advertising:
  A website address should be included on all marketing collateral such as; Brochures, newspaper ads, billboards, business cards, Yellow Page advertisements. Remember, a Decentrix website is continually updated, and is not static the way any print advertisments are. Tell people in all off-line print advertisements where they can go to get the most current information online.
• Vehicle Signage:
  Another easy way to increase exposure to many potential customers is to include the company website address on vehicle signage.
• While on the Phone:
  Using a website while speaking with prospects on the phone can help with the sales process. The more people that know about your site and have a positive experience, the more they will tell others. It has the added advantage of immediately giving your business a professional appearance presented to customers 24 hours a day.

An Online Tool to Help Answer Prospect Questions

A company website is a medium to invite prospects and customers to visit so they can get their questions answered without having to send them to any other website. Obviously, as soon as a prospect surfs to another website, there is a risk of losing their business.

Whenever someone asks a question like "What channels are in a package?" or "Can you mail me information?", ask them if they can get access to the Internet to visit your website. Often people are by their computer and can access a website immediately if asked. It is easy to answer prospect's questions while on the phone as you guide them through your website's rich information. Plus, this technique has the added advantage of presenting a very professional business appearance.

A Secure Place to Enter Confidential Information

Some prospects may not feel comfortable giving credit card or social security information over the phone but they often will enter the information on a secure website. They are correct to want this, since confidential information written on a piece of paper is not terribly secure.

With a Decentrix website, confidential customer information is always submitted from the browser over a 128 bit secure connection called SSL. This stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and is an industry standard communication protocol that allows two computers to send and receive encrypted data to/from each other.

In Conclusion:

A website has to be viewed as a long-term strategy and used regularly as part of normal business practices. The type of client many businesses want are those that prefer to "see" you online!

Summer Newsletter featured "Frequently Asked Question"

How can I get on page 1 of search engines when someone searches for "satellite TV"?

When someone keys "satellite TV" in a Google search, the number of results found in the search exceeds 20,000,000! The only real way to get a satellite retailer website high on any search engine for this or related satellite key words is to pay to be at the top. This may sound simple, however the reality is that it is an extremely complex strategy. In all seriousness, this goal is like someone wanting to play in the NHL who does not even know how to ice skate. Unless you know what you are doing and are prepared to spend a lot of time and money with search engines, the best way for most retailers to get visablity online is to promote their website as we have described in our main article above. Take the first step.

DISH Network Website Enhancements

As usual, we have been hard at work revising your website. Almost everyday we make some update to your site. The best way to keep current with what is new is by visiting and using your website often! Here is a short list of some of the recent changes:

• The Technology page has been given a major facelift
• The Programming Page has been significantly revised
• Interactive TV has been updated
• International Programming now has "Package" and "al-la-cart" tabs for each language
• New Campaigns on the Home and Offer pages have been created
• DISH Network Logo has been replaced with the new brand
• DHA-18 months now replaces DHA 12 and 24 months
• HPP-18 months replaces 12 and 24 months
• Order Page enhancements have been made to reflect the new promotion and pricing as well as other retailer suggestions
• The terms and condition have been updated