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Friday, July 30, 2010

Web Update Help

As you all know, updating your web site consistently is the most important thing you can do. I want to help you plan those updates. I created a spreadsheet that will help you plan your web site changes throughout the year. Below, there's a snapshot of how the sheet looks.

I've already filled in January as an example of what could be done to help you plan your web updates. It will keep you on target for updating your web site consistently. You can modify this spreadsheet to fit specific aspects of your site.
New web sites will automatically receive this schedule; however, I will pass this along to those who have completed sites.

Please use this to plan your web site for the entire year, and use it to communicate with your employees. It'll help them when they promote your site to the customers.

If you have any questions, let me know!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Dedicate an Employee to Update Your Site

Today, I was on the phone with a dealer who has completed a web site, and she is at tier 1 (static site) and considering a jump to tier 3 (ability to edit every page). Initially, when she signed up, she just wanted a web presence and realistically didn't have the time to update the page consistently. What changed from a couple months ago?

Well, she has a great idea. She plans to charge an employee with the task of updating her web site. She will guide the employee and proof everything before it goes "live," but it will help her keep the site fresh.

You may have already done this, but if you haven't, seriously consider it. You have enough on your plate! In some cases, you may find a trustworthy employee who can take on this task.

How much time would you have to allow for an employee to do this when they punch in each day? 30 minutes? An hour? It may be worth it.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Website 101

Producing a web site seems like a daunting task, but for some of you, you've already cleared that major hurdle.

Click here for an article that gives you some tips on getting started when it comes to your web site. Even if you have a web site, the article will help you develop your web strategy.

Having a clearer picture of what you want your site to accomplish will make the task of producing one less scary.

When thinking about those things, shoot for the stars...as they say. Your site CAN push product. Don't think you have to settle for a site that just acts as a brochure. You can develop an interactive site and include your customers in the experience, and we have this blog to help you with that.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Database of Vendor Ads - In the Works!!

Starting next week, Scott, our Advertising Intern, will begin to create vendor ads for your web sites. He will make them generic enough so they can be used year-round by any dealer.

We will start with some of our larger Partnership vendors. Once these have been created, we will share them with you. Look back at this blog to find out when they're finished.

Please comment on this blog post with specific vendors, and we will make sure to create an ad for those that you list in your comments.

Welcome to the UH Web Forum

Ask and you shall receive. Many of you asked for a blog or meeting area on the web dedicated to the discussion of dealer web sites. Here it is!

I will commit to posting, on a regular basis, anything and everything related to our dealer web sites. It could be new developments on our end or simply new ideas from outside sources.

Please use this blog as an opportunity to share with your fellow dealers. Comment on my posts or let us know how you're using your site, what's working and what's not. This is also an opportunity to share any new ideas.

Just a couple housekeeping issues:
  • On the right hand side, you can use the Google search function to find things on this blog.
  • You can also sign up as a follower which means you should receive updates when someone adds a new post or comment.
  • At the bottom of the page, I've started a "Links" box. I'll just post links to important or useful web sites giving tips or sharing new ideas.
Without further delay, let's get it started!