How to Create a Virtual Brochure
If you offer a product or service, it is a good idea to post a "virtual brochure"---a Web page that provides your name, contact information and a brief summary of what you do. A virtual brochure makes it easier for customers to get in touch with you. A simple, clean and eye-pleasing site can also enhance your credibility.
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Things You'll Need
- Your contact information
- Turnkey website publisher service (free)
- Domain name and web forwarding service
- United Parcel Service mailbox service or P.O. Box, optional
Instructions
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Here's How
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Write a brief description of your product or service, in 100 words or less. Be specific. Include what you provide and how it benefits your potential customers, in other words, explain the value you add. Here are three examples.
John Smith Apple Orchards sells apples and cider. Our large variety of apples are organically grown.
Mary Kiley has offered transcription services for medical practices for more than 10 years. She is experienced, accurate and professional.
AAA Snow Removal Services clears snow from your sidewalks and driveways. Put your snow shovel away, and let our professionals keep you snow-free all winter. -
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If you work from home, purchase a mailbox service from UPS, or a post office box from your local post office. Use this as your online business address. It is more professional and safer than posting your home address online. Alternatively, leave out your street address, and include only the city and state on your site.
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Sign up with a turnkey Web publisher. Some free turnkey publishers include Yola (http://www.yola.com/), Weebly (http://www.weebly.com/), and WebsiteTonight (http://www.godaddy.com/hosting/website-builder.aspx).
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Select a design from the templates offered by the Web publisher. Follow instructions to build your site. Enter your business name, phone number, email address, business address and a brief description of your product or service along with its value added in the appropriate sections offered by the turnkey publisher.
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Purchase a domain name. You can provide this to customers and publish it on your business cards.You can purchase domain names from companies like Hostmonster.com and Godaddy.com. These sites also will allow you to use website forwarding, a means by which potential customers will be directed to your site after they use your domain name in their search.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are just starting out, keep the design simple, clean and professional.
Aim for a one-page website. Later, as your business and your knowledge of website building grows, you can add to your virtual brochure or hire a Web designer to expand it for you.
