PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. – The internet is probably one of the best things to happen to Saskatchewan, according to Rick Ellson of Today’s Technology Marketing Group of Saskatoon.
He and Daryll Sewell of Strategis (Industry Canada) lectured on the use of the internet for business at a recent provincial entrepreneur’s convention.
Because Saskatchewan is primarily an exporting pro-vince, its businesses need to keep in touch with the rest of the world.# Ellson says the internet is the best way to do it.
“With the internet … the customer comes to you, you don’t go to them … you’re never turned off,” he said.
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“A business can potentially reach markets that they’ve never thought of reaching.”
Colleen Parenteau, owner of Parenteau’s Saskatoon Berry Chocolates in Langham, about 30 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, is a firm believer in internet advertising.
“We’ve reached areas that we wouldn’t have reached otherwise like overseas, down in the States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan. They would never have known about our product if it wasn’t for (the home page).”
However, Parenteau added setting up a web site isn’t just a matter of writing up a review of a product or service.
“Do your homework when you want to put a page on,” she advised. “Make sure it’s cross-referenced like an index.”
In other words, a successful home page will have a lot of key words on it to describe what it’s about. This will help browsers find the site.
Not a savior
But the net isn’t a solution to all business problems. As Sewell pointed out, “the internet will not help a faltering business.” He said if a business has fundamental problems, the internet shouldn’t be considered a cure-all.
Ellson agreed and said the internet won’t do away with traditional marketing methods. It is just another source of advertising.
“I sincerely believe that within the next five or 10 years it’s going to be so commonplace it’ll be like going through the yellow pages.”
