Internet Myths - Solutions for Business

While the Internet is, probably, the most pervasive of technologies it is also the least understood by the majority. Where this applies to domestic users it probably matters little but for a business user it could make or break the business. At the very least it could result in significantly higher costs. So, let's look at some of the 'black arts' and simplify them...

How does e-mail work

I know, you run Outlook and type in the e-mail address and what you want to say then click Send! Yes, but not quite what I meant. Without getting all technical, the mechanics of e-mail are quite simple. In the beginning there's a domain (i.e. aaland.co.uk), someone will have to register it and, these days, it's very easy to do. Try www.ukreg.co.uk or www.123-reg.co.uk for domain registration, I've used these Companies for years. You'll need to set up an account with a credit card to buy domain names - the cost varies but, typically, less than £10 per annum.

Once you have the domain you can set up e-mail. Either add mailboxes to your account (modest payment although there may be a limited number free) or forward your mail to another server.

Many Companies use Microsoft Exchange for their e-mail and it's easy to configure this to accept mail for multiple domains. E-mail gets delivered to the server(s) that handle the domain i.e. aaland.co.uk tranlstes to an address on the Internet (IP address) and that's the address you forward to. It's also known as an MX record. If you have to set up DNS you would set up an A record and an MX record to point to your e-mail server.

On Microsoft Exchange just add a Recipient Policy for every domain to be serviced. When e-mail gets delivered it's only checked for domain name outside your server i.e. all e-mail for aaland.co.uk gets sent to my server, my server sorts it into mailboxes using the part of the address prior to the @ sign.

Use multiple profiles in your e-mail client to ensure you keep all the mail organised.

Setting up a web site

This is no longer difficult or expensive. Even hosting comes in at just a few pounds a month. There are numerous Open Source packages that make building the site easier than ever before and have built-in Content Management Systems (CMS). This ensures you retain control and can maintain your site quickly and easily. Even e-commerce sites can be built quickly and easily.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Optimising your site for the search engines, like Google and Yahoo, improves your page rank and helps you get noticed on the Internet. Once a 'black art' it's a lot easier than it used to be. Don't fall for the 'we can get you on page one of Google for a fee' merchants, yes, it does cost but not that much. Try prospective SEO companies out with, say, a 3 month trial, they should be able to improve your position in that time. If not, move on. Rather than pay a one-off fee, budget for a smaller monthly fee, over a longer period, as ranking is dependent on regular updates to the site.

Actually, it's relatively easy to get on page one but more difficult if you don't select contents and keywords that are both unique and that people are searching for. That's more tricky. Consider using other methods of boosting your profile rather than relying on SEO alone. For example, get blogging!

For a more detailed look at SEO go here.

Need help?

If you need help, give Aaland a call on 07748-472194, we'll be happy to help.