Ideas & Opportunities

In an era that treats the Web as the go-to place for all kinds of information—from the best Indian restaurant in the city to the most prevalent type of rock on the moon—individuals and enterprises need to have some form of online presence to boost their careers and business performance. What exactly about you and your business should go online? Here are some answers.

TOP 10 WEBSITES IN THE PHILIPPINES

This is where you should be if you are targeting the Philippine market.

1 Facebook.com

2 Google.com.ph

3 Google.com

4 Youtube.com

5 Yahoo.com

6 Blogspot.com

7 Wikipedia.org

8 Twitter.com

9 Sulit.com.ph

10 Wordpress.com

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

First things, first. Why should you go online? In order to protect your online identity! By having an online presence, ideally with an offi cial website for your company, you are

Claiming it before others do.

Unfortunately, another entity registering your name as domain name is not considered identity theft per se. Many have resorted to this practice in order to sell the name later on to people or entities that are so called in the real world.

THE SOCIAL NETWORKS

Aside from your own website, you can—and must—use social networking tools. You should at least use Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. You may also set up a profile on Google+ or Pinterest

-60% of Google+ users use Google products on a daily basis 90 million registered users of Google+

-Every second, more than 2 professionals become new members at Linked In, as of December 31, 2011

-150 million LinkedIn members as of February 9, 2012; LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network on the Net

-100 million active users of Twitter every month

-350 million tweets per day

-845 million monthly active users of Facebook as of end-December 2011

-80% of Facebook users are outside the United States and Canada

1. Company overview or backgrounder (a.k.a. “About Us”) – This is an absolute must for any company website, as it establishes what your business is all about. Do not over-promise though—say only what you are, and exclude even a hint of what you are not.

2. Team credentials (a.k.a. “The Management”) – This section establishes your credibility and capacity to deliver what you said you would. Aside from naming your team and giving a brief bio of each member, provide pictures of each one, in order to personalize your company.

3. Summary of product lines and services – Be concise and specific about your offering. While you may not include prices and fees, include a note that they are available upon inquiry.

4. Press releases – If you’ve managed to land in the mass media, flaunt it. Nothing establishes your track record better than good press. A press release is usually 200 to 600 words long.

5.Photo gallery of your products – The Net is a visual medium, so take advantage of it. Make sure to display only good-quality photos.

6. FAQs – This section should contain questions—and real good answers—on how your company does business. Without revealing your trade secrets of course, the FAQ section could be the best place where you can convince your users (your clients!) that you are the best provider of whatever it is they are looking for.

7. Call to action – Every business website should have a call to action, from buying a product to making a donation to the company’s favorite charity. Encourage users to take action with these words: BUY, REGISTER, SUBSRIBE, DONATE, CALL.

8. Calendar of appearances (optional) – If you are a speaker or some other kind of public figure, include a calendar telling readers when and how to catch up with you.