Discussion
I have recently taken over a manufacturing business which has been run in a very old school fashion.
It has a website but almost zero presence on google
Sales are generated through reputation and referrals and it does quite well for itself.
From an IT perspective, it is almost none existent.
I will need 2 laptops, email addresses and i'd also like to set up a network for the 3 users who will may be using shared files. I also need to set up some sort of CRM and in the coming months, get the website up to speed (new url) and visible and add in some social media to reach customers who don't know we exist.
Much of this is in the future, however in the short term can anyone advise on a simple network? I'm thinking cloud based rather than go to the expense of a physical server... also unsure how to proceed with the website - one does exist, and it may be just about fit for purpose in the short term however i'd like us to start using the new url, can the old site be ported over and can traffic be redirected?
TIA
It has a website but almost zero presence on google
Sales are generated through reputation and referrals and it does quite well for itself.
From an IT perspective, it is almost none existent.
I will need 2 laptops, email addresses and i'd also like to set up a network for the 3 users who will may be using shared files. I also need to set up some sort of CRM and in the coming months, get the website up to speed (new url) and visible and add in some social media to reach customers who don't know we exist.
Much of this is in the future, however in the short term can anyone advise on a simple network? I'm thinking cloud based rather than go to the expense of a physical server... also unsure how to proceed with the website - one does exist, and it may be just about fit for purpose in the short term however i'd like us to start using the new url, can the old site be ported over and can traffic be redirected?
TIA
Save hassle and get the site done in WordPress. If someone does that for you, they can put the info on the current site on the new site and then redirect the URL when it's done.
If you do it in WP, then if (when) the current web shop let you down, you can easily get someone else to do it. If you go bespoke, you'll probably have to get it rebuilt again.
If you do it in WP, then if (when) the current web shop let you down, you can easily get someone else to do it. If you go bespoke, you'll probably have to get it rebuilt again.
Not familiar with a NAS although i have heard of this - there is already a wireless network and printer which will need to be integrated so it sounds like this sort of thing could fit - the business is not currently tech heavy(!)
The website is very simple, i could probably recreate this using a drag n drop enabler such as Wix or something but may possibly need to get in some tech help to get the old url redirected to the new one unless Wix can do this intuitively... however the site is currently a brochure site (and needs a bit of work to tart it up) but the business also generates a small volume of sales of parts through the site although the transaction is completed offline
The website is very simple, i could probably recreate this using a drag n drop enabler such as Wix or something but may possibly need to get in some tech help to get the old url redirected to the new one unless Wix can do this intuitively... however the site is currently a brochure site (and needs a bit of work to tart it up) but the business also generates a small volume of sales of parts through the site although the transaction is completed offline
In your situation, I'd avoid buying hardware and having to take on the operational responsibility that comes with that (hardware maintenance / backup etc.). There are so many cloud services that allow you to just consume the service. Perhaps it's worth seeing if there are any local IT support businesses that can assist with getting you started ?
Think about the sort of IT services you need, Office apps, email, CRM (as you say) etc. and look at what is available.
I use Microsoft O365 for the majority of services and this allows me to install MS Office onto my local PC's as part of the service so very integrated. Also allows you to access the business data / apps when you are not sitting in the office.
I would add that cloud services clearly need a reliable Internet connection so I'd suggest you keep an eye on your Wireless connectivity to ensure it a) is sufficiently quick and b) it offers a stable connection
I'm in the West Midlands, so if that's your neck of the woods, I'd happily provide some advice / suggestions for free.
HTH
Steve
Think about the sort of IT services you need, Office apps, email, CRM (as you say) etc. and look at what is available.
I use Microsoft O365 for the majority of services and this allows me to install MS Office onto my local PC's as part of the service so very integrated. Also allows you to access the business data / apps when you are not sitting in the office.
I would add that cloud services clearly need a reliable Internet connection so I'd suggest you keep an eye on your Wireless connectivity to ensure it a) is sufficiently quick and b) it offers a stable connection
I'm in the West Midlands, so if that's your neck of the woods, I'd happily provide some advice / suggestions for free.
HTH
Steve
Edited by 39sl on Thursday 16th January 09:57
Venier said:
I have recently taken over a manufacturing business which has been run in a very old school fashion.
It has a website but almost zero presence on google
Sales are generated through reputation and referrals and it does quite well for itself.
From an IT perspective, it is almost none existent.
I will need 2 laptops, email addresses and i'd also like to set up a network for the 3 users who will may be using shared files. I also need to set up some sort of CRM and in the coming months, get the website up to speed (new url) and visible and add in some social media to reach customers who don't know we exist.
Much of this is in the future, however in the short term can anyone advise on a simple network? I'm thinking cloud based rather than go to the expense of a physical server... also unsure how to proceed with the website - one does exist, and it may be just about fit for purpose in the short term however i'd like us to start using the new url, can the old site be ported over and can traffic be redirected?
TIA
OP whereabouts in the UK are you based? I provide bespoke software to manufacturing businesses and in a couple of cases have got more involved with the companies and embarked on business transformation projects. What I would say is figure out the "business stuff" first then figure out what technology you need from that. Throwing technology at a business doesn't solve the business problems if you see what I mean.It has a website but almost zero presence on google
Sales are generated through reputation and referrals and it does quite well for itself.
From an IT perspective, it is almost none existent.
I will need 2 laptops, email addresses and i'd also like to set up a network for the 3 users who will may be using shared files. I also need to set up some sort of CRM and in the coming months, get the website up to speed (new url) and visible and add in some social media to reach customers who don't know we exist.
Much of this is in the future, however in the short term can anyone advise on a simple network? I'm thinking cloud based rather than go to the expense of a physical server... also unsure how to proceed with the website - one does exist, and it may be just about fit for purpose in the short term however i'd like us to start using the new url, can the old site be ported over and can traffic be redirected?
TIA
I may be able to help, PM me if you want to have a chat.
Venier said:
Not familiar with a NAS although i have heard of this - there is already a wireless network and printer which will need to be integrated so it sounds like this sort of thing could fit - the business is not currently tech heavy(!)
The website is very simple, i could probably recreate this using a drag n drop enabler such as Wix or something but may possibly need to get in some tech help to get the old url redirected to the new one unless Wix can do this intuitively... however the site is currently a brochure site (and needs a bit of work to tart it up) but the business also generates a small volume of sales of parts through the site although the transaction is completed offline
A NAS is just a hard drive plugged in to the network. I believe most CRM's offer file storage as well, though it depends how much you will need.The website is very simple, i could probably recreate this using a drag n drop enabler such as Wix or something but may possibly need to get in some tech help to get the old url redirected to the new one unless Wix can do this intuitively... however the site is currently a brochure site (and needs a bit of work to tart it up) but the business also generates a small volume of sales of parts through the site although the transaction is completed offline
I would avoid Wix for the website as it isn't the best for people discovering your site on search engines. Like everything in business you can either learn how to do it yourself or pay someone else. A simple WordPress brochure site with WooCommerce shouldn't cost more than £2,500 if you're willing to put some work in yourself (adding the products)
Venier said:
I have recently taken over a manufacturing business which has been run in a very old school fashion.
It has a website but almost zero presence on google
Sales are generated through reputation and referrals and it does quite well for itself.
From an IT perspective, it is almost none existent.
I will need 2 laptops, email addresses and i'd also like to set up a network for the 3 users who will may be using shared files. I also need to set up some sort of CRM and in the coming months, get the website up to speed (new url) and visible and add in some social media to reach customers who don't know we exist.
Much of this is in the future, however in the short term can anyone advise on a simple network? I'm thinking cloud based rather than go to the expense of a physical server... also unsure how to proceed with the website - one does exist, and it may be just about fit for purpose in the short term however i'd like us to start using the new url, can the old site be ported over and can traffic be redirected?
TIA
Website - WP - and get some SEO.It has a website but almost zero presence on google
Sales are generated through reputation and referrals and it does quite well for itself.
From an IT perspective, it is almost none existent.
I will need 2 laptops, email addresses and i'd also like to set up a network for the 3 users who will may be using shared files. I also need to set up some sort of CRM and in the coming months, get the website up to speed (new url) and visible and add in some social media to reach customers who don't know we exist.
Much of this is in the future, however in the short term can anyone advise on a simple network? I'm thinking cloud based rather than go to the expense of a physical server... also unsure how to proceed with the website - one does exist, and it may be just about fit for purpose in the short term however i'd like us to start using the new url, can the old site be ported over and can traffic be redirected?
TIA
Laptops - cheapest online store, make sure you get Windows 10 Pro (not Home) as it will be a problem in the future if you grow and have a network. Go for SSD drives, minimum 8GB ram and i5 minimum.
CRM - Hubspot is free for the basics and does a decent job as a starter for 10.
Network - just go with Office365 and use Onedrive, or dropbox.
As has been mentioned, if you cloud everything (best bet from what you have described for now) you need at least a fast broadband line.
For a simple requirement like yours, you shouldn't need any on premises server/storage unless you expect to be working with massive CAD files etc. Email services and office apps are best catered for by Microsoft Office365. Some thought may be needed for networking if your laptops and internet router/wifi are not in the same room as you may need to string some network cables wifi access points if your spread around a large building.
Don't forget about a decent cloud based antivirus solution and backup your data - even if it is the cloud!
If you need help organising all these components then you may want to delegate it to a nice local IT outfit - if your near east London or Essex then I can recommend
Don't forget about a decent cloud based antivirus solution and backup your data - even if it is the cloud!
If you need help organising all these components then you may want to delegate it to a nice local IT outfit - if your near east London or Essex then I can recommend
I can highly recommend Google and 365.
We use Google to run the email addresses but it also gives you 30gb of drive space, and 365 to hold the machine backups. If a machine breaks it is as simple as typing in both sets of passwords in the new one and everything is working in about 5 minutes.
We use Google to run the email addresses but it also gives you 30gb of drive space, and 365 to hold the machine backups. If a machine breaks it is as simple as typing in both sets of passwords in the new one and everything is working in about 5 minutes.
There are at least 2 separate business issues in your opening post.
First is IT infrastructure/ support. There should be plenty of local IT firms who will charge a relatively modest fee to advise and support you in making and keeping your IT fit for purpose. If you're a very small business, you want to spend your time making business decisions rather than learning how to be an IT geek on the job.
Secondly, your ongoing strategy of where the business is going. The kind of CRM and website you need will be driven by that strategy. If for example you plan to expand the online parts sales, it's going to need a website and all the associated infrastructure to run an organised online sales operation. It'll need a plan and budget around marketing that site.
Again, I'd speak to a local reputable web design company (ask for references and follow them up), give them a brief and take some advice.
What I wouldn't do, especially with the website, would be to embark on a project without being very, very clear in your own mind what the business is trying to achieve and knowing how the website is going to help enable it.
First is IT infrastructure/ support. There should be plenty of local IT firms who will charge a relatively modest fee to advise and support you in making and keeping your IT fit for purpose. If you're a very small business, you want to spend your time making business decisions rather than learning how to be an IT geek on the job.
Secondly, your ongoing strategy of where the business is going. The kind of CRM and website you need will be driven by that strategy. If for example you plan to expand the online parts sales, it's going to need a website and all the associated infrastructure to run an organised online sales operation. It'll need a plan and budget around marketing that site.
Again, I'd speak to a local reputable web design company (ask for references and follow them up), give them a brief and take some advice.
What I wouldn't do, especially with the website, would be to embark on a project without being very, very clear in your own mind what the business is trying to achieve and knowing how the website is going to help enable it.
vdn said:
Just use Google and get your emails and online storage / collaboration in one go.
Get a website done in WordPress or use an online design platform like WIX, if it’s just for a brochure site.
Social media is easy enough, to setup.
Then invest in some actual SEO and online marketing.
Every SEO guy I've ever dealt with has said to stay well away from Wix if you want to SEO it.Get a website done in WordPress or use an online design platform like WIX, if it’s just for a brochure site.
Social media is easy enough, to setup.
Then invest in some actual SEO and online marketing.
Don’t worry about a website just now, if the business survived without one till now it’s not urgent. Start a Facebook page and update it regularly as a starting point
The best advice has already been given - get decent internet connectivity (two lines is faster than one if you are in an area with low speed) and then do everything on the cloud. All of this is easy - you shouldn’t need to pay for help outside of beer tokens as it’s self-service and straight forward
Go fully wireless for now. Don’t even think of installing a network as you most likely don’t need one. It’s much simpler and cheaper
Ignore spending money on “IT consultants” or anyone else at this stage as it will be simply a way of taking cash from your pocket and putting it in someone else’s
The best advice has already been given - get decent internet connectivity (two lines is faster than one if you are in an area with low speed) and then do everything on the cloud. All of this is easy - you shouldn’t need to pay for help outside of beer tokens as it’s self-service and straight forward
Go fully wireless for now. Don’t even think of installing a network as you most likely don’t need one. It’s much simpler and cheaper
Ignore spending money on “IT consultants” or anyone else at this stage as it will be simply a way of taking cash from your pocket and putting it in someone else’s
nebpor said:
Don’t worry about a website just now, if the business survived without one till now it’s not urgent. Start a Facebook page and update it regularly as a starting point
The best advice has already been given - get decent internet connectivity (two lines is faster than one if you are in an area with low speed) and then do everything on the cloud. All of this is easy - you shouldn’t need to pay for help outside of beer tokens as it’s self-service and straight forward
Ignore spending money on “IT consultants” or anyone else at this stage as it will be simply a way of taking cash from your pocket and putting it in someone else’s
This is unfortunately not very sensible advice. The best advice has already been given - get decent internet connectivity (two lines is faster than one if you are in an area with low speed) and then do everything on the cloud. All of this is easy - you shouldn’t need to pay for help outside of beer tokens as it’s self-service and straight forward
Ignore spending money on “IT consultants” or anyone else at this stage as it will be simply a way of taking cash from your pocket and putting it in someone else’s
Your online presence needs to be dictated by your strategic plan. No point in spending time and effort on a FB page if your B2B clients aren't using it to seek out or maintain relationships with you.
Equally, no point in leaving an out of date, poor website in place if you're going to promote it as the shop window for your company and/or wholesale parts through it.
And a local B2B IT company will come and see you for free and give you a breakdown of what you need based upon your specific requirements. This is infinitely better than cobbling together ideas from internet motoring forums or Google research. They will also be able to charge you a modest flat fee for ongoing support, which means when Doris' laptop breaks or Dennis can't get into his emails, they can ring someone else and get it sorted quickly, rather than your staff spending their time learning to be IT experts (which they won't be).
IT, website builds and online marketing are all areas you can spend a lot of money very quickly and waste a lot of money very quickly. If you try to bodge it yourself you're likely to do the latter, followed by the former, meaning you've spent twice and wasted a huge amount of your own time and money.
My observation based on experience. Your old URL has some value in that it will be seen by Google as an aged domain name. That helps SEO straight away. A new domain name will take much longer to rank in Google. You should avoid putting key words into a domain name by the way.
Don't do a website yourself, have a look at local companies and the work they've done before. They don't cost much. Somebody above said "get some SEO". You don't get SEO, you do SEO yourself on the various potential landing pages through the website content management system that MUST be available to you. It's not difficult at all and there's loads of online information about key words, title tags, alt tags etc.
Don't do a website yourself, have a look at local companies and the work they've done before. They don't cost much. Somebody above said "get some SEO". You don't get SEO, you do SEO yourself on the various potential landing pages through the website content management system that MUST be available to you. It's not difficult at all and there's loads of online information about key words, title tags, alt tags etc.
nebpor said:
Ah, strategic advice for a small business that needs a couple of laptops and an internet connection.
Exactly the type of person the OP needs to run away from.
When the first meeting is free, there is only ever going to be one winner and it's not you.
Strategic advice for a business that's just been bought and needs to know where its growth is coming from.Exactly the type of person the OP needs to run away from.
When the first meeting is free, there is only ever going to be one winner and it's not you.
Is it from existing clients, existing product lines and existing verticals. Where do its customers do their research and buying? How do they buy? What technology will be needed to enable the strategy? What marketing and internal infrastructure do you need to enable it? Who's going to do it? What will it cost?
It's not corporate b
ks, it's just common sense with a word attached.You appear to advocate bumbling along and avoiding paying anybody for their services whilst doddering about on Facebook writing statuses. That's hardly a recipe for laying the foundations of business growth.
I have no iron in the fire, I don't offer IT services or build websites. I know from experience I'd rather spend my time running my business and avoid my staff productivity dropping because they're spending amateur time trying to do IT or digital marketing they're ill equipped to do.
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