The market for social networks is saturated, and it is not a sustainable, profitable business model. Most people don’t want to pay for access, and most people don’t click on ads.

If you see the Internet as a way to engage new customers, find innovative ways to interest them in the products and services of your company. Great opportunities:

• Rich visual images of products - good pictures!
• Careful design for ease of access to information
• Stats analysis to see what pages are used most
• error log checks to ensure the existing site does not have bugs
• Comparison opportunities with similar products, help the customers decide between your products and your competitors. If the competitors have better products, invest in yours to improve them before investing in your web site.
• Product search functions that help the customers see the different characteristics of the products. For example, search on capacity of containers, or BTUs of heaters. Demonstrate the commitment to the product, from the web site until delivery. Help site visitors understand your products.
• Live chat, so people can ask quick questions
• FAQ pages, organized carefully, and integrated into the site search
• Easy contact pages that allow people to send an email without entering much information
• Links to manufacturers or distributors
• Ease of purchase (with appropriate security)
• Store finder, with a zip code search. Provide good descriptions of stores (products offered, specialties, contact information, location, link to map)
• Nice features such as paint color pickers, option choosers, online estimates, allow the visitors to immerse themselves in the site
• Information about the people of your company - especially the top executives. Let people see who you are.