If you’re looking to enter the world of online marketing, there are dozens of companies that you can choose from. However, not all of them are created equal, and it’s important to understand the differences before making a decision. We’ve compiled a list of everything to consider before investing in social media marketing, in order to land on the right foot side of the fence.
Features
One of the first things you’ll want to check for is the features of the product. Does the company provide analytics so that you can track the effectiveness of your campaigns? What about SEO tools? Are they included in the monthly pricing?
Beyond that, you’ll want to assess what kinds of features the platform offers. For example, do you want to use a CMS (content management system) or want to have your own in-house team maintain the content on your website?
Also, check out the demo account to see how the product works. Do you have a Google account? If so, you can log into your Google Analytics and see what kind of traffic is rushing to your site. Or, if you use another analytics tool, you can log into that as well.
Interface & Usability
This refers to the way in which the product interacts with the user. Is it easy to navigate, or is the whole experience a bit overwhelming?
The look and feel of the website is also important. Do you want something sleek and modern, or a more traditional design?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you can assess how effective the product is at handling large volumes of website traffic.
Cost & Scalability
As your business grows, you’ll want to assess how easily the product scales with your needs. Cost here refers to the monthly fee that you’ll have to pay for the service. Does the pricing plan include features such as dedicated IP addresses that you can use to monitor and track the traffic of your website?
Also, how much experience does the company have in hosting websites for large businesses? Scalability relates to how well the platform handles increased traffic, or the ability to grow with your business.
Service Level Agreement
It’s important to understand exactly how much commitment the company is going to make towards providing a certain level of service. Have they promised you any particular level of uptime or support?
It is also important to realize that not all web hosts are created equal. Some offer a very basic service with limited features, and you’ll have to pay dearly for the privilege of being hosted there. On the other hand, some web hosts offer a premium service that comes with all the features you need to make your site work optimally. This is something to take into consideration if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for your website hosting needs.
Product Roadmap
This is an important one. What can the company provide in the way of support and services? Are they willing to take your call without hesitation, or do they have a live chat operator available to help you?
The roadmap here is important. By knowing what kinds of additional services the company offers, you can have a better idea of whether or not they are a fit for your needs. Are they planning on adding any significant features to their product in the near future?
It is also important to assess how responsive the company is to feedback and requests for change (e.g., via forums, social media, etc.). Does the team seem interested in evolving their product to fit the needs of various industries, or are they more interested in providing a one-size-fits-all service?
Get All The Details In Writing
Make sure that you read the terms and conditions thoroughly. There are a few important details that you need to look out for. First, make sure that the company is willing to provide support beyond the initial purchase of the product. Some companies specialize in offering one-time support, and then you’re on your own. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the company directly.
Also, read the reviews. This will give you an idea of whether or not the product is worth purchasing, or if there are other options that you should consider. The reviews will also give you an idea of whether or not the company is reputable. Look for reviews that are posted by other businesses that are currently using the product. This will give you an idea of what other businesses are saying about the product. You can contact these companies directly to learn more.
Choosing a reliable company to host your website is very important. Do your research, read reviews, and make sure to consult with other businesses that are operating within your industry. This will help ensure that you make the right choice, and ensure that your business will be able to reap the benefits of a quality website.