By Arlene Westen Evans

When I began my business eight months ago, I really thought I could build my own website by using the template program that came with my computer. I felt it was the only way I could control the information that was on the site. I already had a Facebook page…had created my own BlogSpot page…how hard could it be? I laboured through the learning curve that ensued.

Since then, not only have I come to realize the importance of having a website, more importantly, I have come to realize why mine is so inadequate. There is a very apropos saying “sell your strengths, buy your weaknesses”.  One of the toughest lessons I have had to learn as a new business owner is that I cannot do everything and accept that the best use of my time is not spent trying to figure things out in areas where I haven’t any expertise.

I have learned that a website is much more than just having a ‘web presence’. My website lacks the kind of customization that I am seeing on other sites…e.g. the local funeral home is an impressive site. I absolutely love it!! It offers clear and easy navigation tools, options for signing up to newsletters, sales via the website and I have complete confidence in the company when I visit their site.

I would like people to visit my site repeatedly and look at pages other than just my ‘Home’ page. As I struggle to build my business, I question whether the advertising dollars I paid out in other forms of media actually paid off. Not only do I want to be able to attract more people to my business, I want to have the ability to measure the effectiveness of my website.

I have spoken to a lot of website designers lately, at Cohesion Media and through other local firms, and they seem pretty convinced that a professionally-designed website is fundamental to the success of any business in this day and age. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I win your contest!

But we want to do MORE than just thank you! We want to give back! Our customer referral program rewards our existing clients in TWO WAYS. If you refer a client to us, we are going to give you FREE STUFF! You can choose between:

• $100 credit towards any Cohesion Media service, including graphic or web design, social media, printing, radio production, website upgrades, web hosting; or
• $50 gift certificate from one of our existing Clients

It’s good for us. It’s good for our clients. And it’s GREAT for you!

• Restaurants & Dining
• Interior Design Services
• Home Decor and gifts
• Jewellery
• Candy & Gift Baskets
• Clothing, Western Wear, Tack
• Professional services
• Hair and spa
• Industrial compression services (hey, you never know!)
• Much, much more!

Call or email us for more details. Some restrictions apply. Offer starts December 1, 2011.

Visit Decor Diva online at www.decordiva.ca

November & December Special:

To celebrate being voted the High River Chamber of Commerce business of the year we are going to give away a FREE website* to a High River Chamber of Commerce Member. Simply tell us why you would like a Cohesion Media website and you will be entered into the draw that will take place the first week of January, 2012.

To qualify for the free website, you must be a High River Chamber of Commerce Member, Like the Chamber of CommerceFacebook page www.facebook.com/highriverchamber and Cohesion Media Facebook Page www.facebook.com/cohesionmedia  and submit your story as to why you want a Cohesion Media website prior to midnight, December 31^st, 2011 to info@cohesionmedia.ca

*Free website consists of our growing business package valued at $1250. Prize has No Cash Value.

Cohesion Media & Design Ltd., in conjunction with the Okotoks Dawgs Baseball Club, is very pleased to invite you to the SNAPsDaWGs Charity Golf Tournament at Rivers Edge Golf Club in Okotoks. The event will take place on Friday, September 16^th, 2011, with a Shot Gun start at 1:00pm. Tournament proceeds will support the Special Needs Association for Parents & Siblings (SNAPS) and Okotoks Dawgs Baseball Club. You can register online – just click the link at the bottom of this page.

The registration to play is $125, and includes:

• An enjoyable day of golf on a course that is nestled alongside the Sheep River, and offers a fun and unique 18 hole golf experience. With captivating views of the Rocky Mountains and cascading sandy cliffs filtering into the river below, it is pleasurable not only to play, but to view as well.
• Complimentary Gift
• Prizes, Prizes, Prizes
• Lowest score, Longest Drive & Closest to the Pin Contests
• Complimentary Driving Range
• Tournament Scoring
• ‘Baron of Beef’ Buffet Dinner which includes Slow Roasted Beef with Horse radish & Natural jus as the main entrée’s with your choice of 4 assorted salads, a vegetable medley, baked potato, garlic toast and a selection of desserts. Meals can be altered to accommodate anyone who would prefer a chicken or vegetarian entrée, and anyone with known allergies is asked to notify us prior to the event.

What is Foothills SNAPS?

Special Needs Association for Parents & Siblings (SNAPS) is a non-profit organization supporting families and community who are living with or connected to someone with special needs. They provide education, information, and support to parents, siblings and community in a safe, non-judgmental environment. SNAPS supports many needs ranging from Aspergers, Cerebral Palsy, ADD, Williams Syndrome and other conditions which result in persons being differently abled.

If you are interested in registering for this enjoyable and worthwhile cause, you can register online by clicking the link below:

Click Here to Register Online

Everybody knows a guy who can design cheap websites on the side. But a good website should be more than just an online brochure. It should be an effective marketing tool that increases your revenue and attracts new customers. It should be the focal point of your marketing strategy. Maximizing the effectiveness of your website is what we specialize in. We work with you to incorporate optimization techniques and marketing strategies that will help direct new and existing customers to visit your website. Copy writing services are included with our prices. Unlike most designers, we research and develop the content for you. Including photos and copy, this saves you valuable time!

The High River and District Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer organization dedicated to the development and nurturing of private enterprise in the High River area. As a Chamber we are committed to promoting the Town of High River and its business community for the benefit and support of all its members. An active working relationship will encourage the growth and development of both commercial and community spirit.

Check out their new site:

High River Chamber

Rivers Edge Golf Club

Simply click on our FaceBook link below and Like us for your chance to win!