Automation is killing my business

Image via WikipediaI remember in the late 90's during the up swing of Internet bubble how many companies and individual speculators put up "e-commerce" sites that were incredibly sterile. It was like doing business with Robby the robot. A lot of this was driven by the "if you build it they will come" notion. The frenzy of getting rich quick is usually coupled with a desire to stay anonymous because it is just speculation and not building value. Unfortunately the desire to hide from customers lives strong and is still quit ubiquitous. Virtually all websites you visit have a "contact us" page which should really read, "do not contact us." It should be easy (one click from any page on your site) to find your business phone number and address on your website. If someone sitting at a their computer on your site resorts to using the phone book to find your information you're in trouble.

Many people I speak with ask how do they get to the top of a Google search. Really it depends on how much you are willing to spend and whether that spend is worth it to your business. For most small businesses it is sufficient to put up a catalog style website, have domain email, and a contact us page with their phone number and address conspicuously placed. This will cover you for city searches where Internet users use Google, Ask, etc like the yellow pages. If your small business competitor does this and you don't who do you think is going to get more business?

Comment and Questions welcomed.
Tim Symchych