At this stage you have completed your One Page Plan and the technology has been build based on your specifications. You are almost ready to go live.
Firstly, if we are not assisting you with going live with the site, you may need to read and follow the instructions in the Going Live Tutorial:
Going Live Tutorial (178 KB)
Secondly, before going live we recommend you learn how to use the Online Business Console. Some organisations will receive on site training from Bua Consulting while others choose to complete training online. Online training is available through the Admin section of your online business console. We have also compiled the most important online tutorials on our Video Tutorials page.
Thirdly we recommend you review your One Page Plan if you haven't already to reflect the coming 3 to 6 months and the online business objectives during this period. Watch the One Page Plan Video
Each business is different. Some want to launch quietly and make adjustments based on customer feedback. Bua Consulting may be working with you on an official launch or you may wish to prepare the launch yourselves. In either case, below are a number of important considerations for your business before launching:
- Have you fully tested and proof-read each webpage? It is important to have a number of people read through each page of your website to ensure you have picked up every typo on the site. (You'll always miss some!)
- Have you tested each web form that has been created. Ask yourself: Does it acheive its purpose? Does it collect the right information? Does it get redirected to the right person?
- Have we completed or scheduled training? You need to make time to learn the Online Business Console. The admin area of your console contains extensive training material. We have also compiled a page with the most important tutorials here.
- Have you allocated responsibility for your online business to someone in your organisation. This should be included in a revised position description and certain responsibilities outlined. What tasks will the be fulfilling on a weekly basis? How much time should they allocate for the online business? How will they monitor and measure progress and success?
- Does all business documentation reflect the new online business and carry the web address? Have you revised the following:
- letterhead (and envelopes, acknowledgement slips etc)
- business cards
- invoices
- signage
- yellow pages listing
- advertising and marketing materials
- telephone and email messages. Does the receptionist know where to direct people online?
- business process documentation. Will the online business change many business processes? Have these changes been documented?
- Does everyone in the organisation know about the new online business? Do they know when it is being launched? Do they know what the primary objectives of the online business are? Are they well-versed in how customers will be able to interact with the business online? You may need to prepare an internal marketing plan.
- How are you going to make your existing clients, customers aware of the new online business? Consider preparing a letter or email announcing the launch. If you want them to subscribe to the new website consider incentivising them (e.g. a competition or discounts). This may be included in the One Page Plan developed in the Planning Stage or you may need to review your One Page Plan for the coming months.
- How are you going to announce the launch to the marketplace/industry? Perhaps a media release or advertisement? Pay per click campaigns and Search Engine Optimistion may also be underway.
If you can answer all of the questions above successfully you are prepared to launch. Good luck!