Frequently Asked Questions  Getting Started
Put Your Business on the Web
The Alleghany Chamber of Commerce will provide single Web pages for business members for as little as $75. Yes, your business message can be available on the World Wide Web in just seconds to anyone in the world who has an Internet connection for just $75! A larger Web page can be negotiated for an increased fee.
This is a one-time fee. The site will remain active as long as the business remains a Chamber member in good standing.
Almost unknown just 5 years ago, Web growth has exploded. Last year, Web sites rang up an estimated $12 billion in sales revenue. Web-based commerce is considered by many the major dynamic force driving current stock market growth. And you can get your foot in the Web's door for less than a C-note.
The site includes one picture, your logo, a hit counter, and up to 300 words of text. The site must contain a small Chamber logo that links back to the Chamber's home page. Check out this sample page for an idea how a basic page might appear.
Your chamber Web listing will link to your Web page. Your URL (Web address) will be www.sparta-nc.com/yourbusinessname. You can use this address in other advertising to alert customers to your site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a Web site?
Anyone who has a message that a business-person wants distributed to the widest possible audience at the lowest cost. A Web page is accessible in a matter of seconds form anywhere in the world by someone with an Internet connection. While access is typically gained through a personal computer, new, less expensive Web specific appliances are being developed. The most popular non-computer Web access tool is Web-TV.
How could Web pages be used by Alleghany businesses?
Real estate companies and the providers of lodging (motels, bed and breakfast inns, cabin rentals) currently are the two groups that use Web pages extensively.
The opportunities are almost endless. Restaurants can put their menus online for customers to peruse. Insurance companies, auto dealerships, financial services can introduce their sales staff. One advantage of the Web is that color pictures cost no more than black and white.
Professionals, such as doctors, lawyer, and counselors, can tout their training, expertise, special experience. Banks can present their services and provide links to Web pages offering services by their home institutions.
Almost any business can list their services, hours of operation and give directions to their location. Sites can include items for sale. Manufacturers can provide detail of the products they offer.
The Chamber retains the right to exclude any content that is offensive, obscene or advocates discrimination or hate toward particular groups, or links to sites with such content.
Can I update my own page? Can I get a multi-page site?
If you are familiar with html tags or a web-page creation program, it can be arranged. Or you may wish to hire a professional for this task. It can also be arranged with the Chamber webmaster for a fee.
Extra pages can be arranged, but no large sites. The Chamber cannot exceed the limit on the amount of server space it is budgeted to purchase.
If you want a www.sparta-nc.com/yourbusinessname address, the Chamber can provide you that address in return for the Chamber logo that links back to the Chamber home page.
Who owns this Web page? If I decide to move it to another site, can I?
Once built and paid for, the site is yours. You can chose to move it to any location you chose.
How will others find my Chamber site?
Your site will be linked from your listing on the Chamber's Business and Commerce page. One click and Web users will be at your site. The Chamber's site is also listed with a number of search engines that catalog all pages on the site, so that your site will be listed with these search engines.
However, you must promote your Web site just like you promote your phone number and mailing address. Include your URL (Web address) in all your promotional material and advertising.
Do I need to have email to have a Chamber Web site?
No, but it is recommended. Most Web users expect to be able to contact companies via email from their Web site.
How Do I Get Started?
Provide: any picture or pictures they want displayed on the site, a clear copy of your logo or other graphic to be displayed, and text as you want it to read. If you have questions or want a site, contact the Chamber office via email, phone 372-5473 or come by the Chamber office at 348 South Main St., Sparta, or contact the Chamber Web master by email.
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Alleghany Chamber of Commerce
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