[Andrew_Kelly]

Hi Everyone,

I am going to post a link to an article I just wrote (it's the first one I ever did, so please bare with me). I just want to point out, it's not spam... I do have a point.

http://andrewkelly.ca/articles/

Now on that note, who all agree with this? I got into a huge debate with a co-worker (I work in an office doing web work, but he's helps run a program for the bank.). We're two very different people, with two different opinions when it comes to the internet.

He's the type of person who believes the internet isn't exactly useful for finding business or specific people. (Our arguement was over Investment Advisors at RBC).

Points he brought up:
1) No one knows how to use search engines, so you get lost among the massive list of people. Only people who do web pages know how to work google. You can't expect to have your business be found by someone online.

2) No one in the right mind will make a decision based on the internet only. So why have it?

3) *Specific to our case* An normal IA could get more potential clients, then a great IA, if they were able to make their sites look better.


Now my responses were:

1) I called him stupid, explaining people are more likely to use google to get information about a company than anyone else. Those who don't know how to use google, aren't using the internet... Therefore they're not our target anyways.

2) No one will make their complete decision on the internet only, at least they shouldn't. HOWEVER you're more likely to remember a business/person based on their website. You're able to gather information and get a better idea of what you're looking for, to specifically relate to you.

3) If an IA is willing to invest their time and money into making a site look better, no matter what their ability is... Good for them. They are marketing themselves and what they offer. They should get more potential clients based on that. It's not different then commericals, or ads in the paper/on buses/park benches ect. If they get that client, then they got him based on their ability to sell. A website is only to gain someone's eye, not sell them completely (In this case at least.)

So my question for you all is... Do you agree with him or me... Or do you have your own stance. One girl was on the wall with this, having her own thoughts. (Although ultimately she did believe my points made more sense on most cases.)

[certus]

There is no one demographic for internet users. It would be better to first identify who is using the internet and want your services and then divide this into several subgroups. Each group would have a different level of trust in your site, each would have a different use for personal contact, each would have a different willingness to purchase immediately. If you begin to look at internet users in this fashion instead of as one lump you will be able to make a site with greater potential.

[Andrew_Kelly]

I agree... There is no one demographic, and my example was pointed towards investment advisors and those who need an investment advisor (In other words, people with millions).

However at the same time, some of those things hold truth. Unless you are specifically looking for something that you need ASAP, you are far less likely to purchase soemthing.

Anyone who uses the internet and google, should know how to use a search engine... and if you don't, you learn quickly. So people unable to search and your goal is to gain vistors shouldn't be considered part of that demographic.