New small business, is a site a money pit no one will ever find?

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FabricatorAg
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10:37p, 2/1/17
So, I'm located in the central Tx area (San Marcos area) and have been working for myself, as the owner and operator of a fabrication and welding business. So I've come to the point where I know I want to pursue this and am working toward fully legimitzing my business.

Here's my question, I've messed around with Wix.com and started a webpage and found a domain name etc, but is a web site even a good form of advertising? I've been told it would cost thousands to ever show up on the top page of a google search. I can't do that. I'm looking for the absolute best way to market my business online the most efficient way. Thoughts and opinions on this? Given I'm smack dab between SA and that hell hole Austin, I found it pretty surprising the lack of sites I found for custom high end welding and fab shops.

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FabricatorAg
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10:39p, 2/1/17
My main issue, because I write somewhat vague, is there some Backdoor to build a website that people can find without knowing my site name. Example, if they googled "welding San Marcos" there are two shops in town with sites, what does it take for me to be third on the list?
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ABATTBQ11
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11:03p, 2/1/17
AG
I don't go to businesses without websites if that helps. If I can't research you, your prices, your work samples or products, etc then I am far less likely to drop by your physical location. Websites definitely help.

If you are using keywords like your location and welding on your site, Google will pick it up. Do a quick Google search on getting to the top of searches and there will be articles and blog posts on how to structure your site to get picked up.

Lastly, think about doing some social media. Get a Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can post news about your business, like charity events you're donating tinge or work to or good examples of your latest work and then direct traffic to your site. If you get followers who share your posts, it's free advertising. It's a modern version of word of mouth that includes pictures or videos.
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ABATTBQ11
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11:07p, 2/1/17
AG
Also, add your business to Google maps. A quick search will help with that too. That is one way to get found, and you can add your web address to the Google maps entry on you.
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Sling Blade
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12:16a, 2/2/17
AG
I run a digital agency and people ask this question all the time.

Google = Intent based traffic
1. You need to have a website for people to find you
2. SEO is to help you rank and get to the top organic spots. The problem here is that a lot of it is based on Google's latest algorithm. It changes frequently, so you constantly need to keep up.
3. AdWords is the paid ad platform. It gets you top ranked with a cost. If done properly, can generate you leads on a consistent basis.
4. Maps and Google Reviews will be huge for you

Yelp
1. Make sure you are registered there so that it helps rank you on Google

Social Media -I would focus on Facebook/Instagram = Interest/demographic based
Similar to SEO, you can organically get 'fans' and post interesting things about your business.
1. On the paid side (Our main focus), we have the ability to build an ideal client model based on factors such as gender, income level, location, home ownership, credit worthiness, etc.
2. With that ideal client model, we drive advertisements to that audience since they are Ready willing and able to buy your services or products.

Hope that helps...
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redd38
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2:43a, 2/2/17
AG
I'll second that I won't use a business that doesn't have a website.

If there are only two other business in your market showing results for your keywords then it should be fairly easy to get to the first page with them. Just do the most basic things that any article about SEO will talk about so that Google likes your site and you should be fine.
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Punked Shank
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6:32a, 2/2/17
AG
I also tend to not visit a business if I can't find a website on them to do prior research. Big boost.
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schmendeler
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6:37a, 2/2/17
AG
to me, a website is on the same level as having a phone number. would you consider having a business with no phone number?
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Synopsis
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8:10a, 2/2/17
Definitely get a website up and running. Use google adsense, plus the other good advice you've been given here. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is critical. I am NO expert, and I've tried my hand at it (halfheartedly) and didn't do so well. But you have an EXCELLENT business. Welding is a fantastic skill set that takes years of practice to perfect and you can make a ton of money once you get a good customer base. I wish you all the success in the world.
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Synopsis
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8:15a, 2/2/17
I am in no way affiliated with this guy, but he has a lot of free videos on SEO and marketing your website. Have a look and decide for yourself.

https://davidboozer.com/

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Synopsis
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8:20a, 2/2/17
Also think about using email marketing and using tools such as aweber and zoho (aweber.com and zoho.com).
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CapCity12thMan
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8:51a, 2/2/17
AG
another vote for "no website means not getting any of my money", not to mention - please don't do something like "MikeTheWelder@aol.com" as your email address. Have a business presence. Make it legit, clean and simple.

This all being said if you'd like to contact me at my TexAgs username at hot mail dot com, I'd like to offer some help or at minimum some guidance.
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hangman
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12:34p, 2/2/17
Yes. SEO is paramount and 6 years ago when I was doing it the domain name was one of the most important components to get free traffic. You want to use google analytics to see how many people are searching for welding (town name) or whatever you're looking for. If you can get that exact domain you used to be able to easily get up on the top of the search pile without paying ad sense. Google has changed the stuff a lot in six years and it's supposedly more content based now but definitely look into it before you register a domain name.
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txyaloo
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In reply to schmendeler • 10:11p, 2/3/17
AG
schmendeler said:
to me, a website is on the same level as having a phone number. would you consider having a business with no phone number?
OP - get a website. I recently hired a welding fabricator to build a bumper for me. I found him on Craigslist. He didn't have any other type of online presence. I realize a lot of welding/fabrication jobs come in word of mouth, but I think having a website with your location, hours, services, and pictures of your work would put you far ahead of much of your competition.

Somehow my company (a Fortune 500 technology company) hired a VP whose last company didn't have a website. I did some searching and found out it was a company registered to him. I assume he couldn't get a job the last 2 years and was using that to pad his resume. If I see an unknown company, the first thing I do is Google them.
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kyledr04
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7:59a, 2/4/17
AG
Setup your website with Duda using their lifetime site option. It's a one time fee. Will save a lot for a small business. It's easy to use and has a lot of features. I built a website for a nonprofit organization. The only recurring fee is the domain. They don't host email but zoho is good and free. I just forward it to Gmail.
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Absolute
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2:28p, 2/4/17
AG
It can become an ongoing money pit if you chase seo. But you probably don't need that right now.

Just do the professional looking simple site that is basically an electronic business card/brochure. Make sure to make getting in contact with you very easy from the site. You could easily have a gallery of past job pictures to display. That type of stuff. For the most part, at first at least, you will be sending people there directly.

One basic starting seo recommendation, make the domain name close to what people would search Google for if looking for your services rather than michalej90welding.com. Even if it is different than your company name.
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ericlen7
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In reply to Synopsis • 3:44a, 2/5/17
Aweber is a good service, though I would suggest an email marketing automation platform: ActiveTrail.com

They have a full marketing suite: Email automation, SMS, Landing pages, website popups and triggers , surveys and more.


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ABATTBQ11
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In reply to Absolute • 8:20a, 2/5/17
AG
This. You don't need to be the #1 result. Just make sure you're on Maps and people will find you. Your site is really nothing more than a business card to introduce people to you and what you can do. Put up some pictures of the outside and inside of your shop, some pictures of past work, a quick description of your skills and company history, contact info, and that should be all you need. Don't focus on SEO too much. I think a search with San Marcos Welding will turn you up pretty quick with just the above.
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hurricanejake02
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1:21p, 2/6/17
AG
FYI - sanmarcoswelding.com is an available domain name. Seriously - it can be that easy.
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Caliber
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In reply to ABATTBQ11 • 1:30p, 2/6/17
AG
ABATTBQ11 said:
This. You don't need to be the #1 result. Just make sure you're on Maps and people will find you. Your site is really nothing more than a business card to introduce people to you and what you can do. Put up some pictures of the outside and inside of your shop, some pictures of past work, a quick description of your skills and company history, contact info, and that should be all you need. Don't focus on SEO too much. I think a search with San Marcos Welding will turn you up pretty quick with just the above.
+1. I want to be able to do some basic homework on a company that I am going to spend any money with. Unless I get a recommendation from someone I trust, no website likely means no money. For something like welding, having some basic price structure listed could be nice too, but you don't have to tie yourself down too much. If you have some kind of stock product you make, list those up plus examples of custom work.
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Whitetail
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3:01p, 2/6/17
AG
I'd recommend that you start by having a facebook page for your business and at least getting google maps to link to that. Then work on the website.
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cohibasymas
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In reply to FabricatorAg • 5:56p, 2/6/17
AG
MichaelJ90 said:
So, I'm located in the central Tx area (San Marcos area) and have been working for myself, as the owner and operator of a fabrication and welding business. So I've come to the point where I know I want to pursue this and am working toward fully legitimizing my business.

Here's my question, I've messed around with Wix.com and started a web page and found a domain name etc, but is a web site even a good form of advertising? I've been told it would cost thousands to ever show up on the top page of a google search. I can't do that. I'm looking for the absolute best way to market my business online the most efficient way. Thoughts and opinions on this? Given I'm smack dab between SA and that hell hole Austin, I found it pretty surprising the lack of sites I found for custom high end welding and fab shops.


OP - my wife and I own/operate Drip Drop Creative, a full-service web/graphics design agency. If you're interested,we'd be glad to have a conversation with you about a website, SEO, etc. Shoot me an email hello@dripdropcreative.com. We may or may not be the right fit for you, but we'll be glad to at least point you in the right direction.

BTW - I didn't buy something recently from a local vendor b/c they didn't have a website. It's not just that we're in the business, but frankly that's how I research everything before I go to make a purchase or phone call.

-Kris
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Absolute
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In reply to hurricanejake02 • 8:27p, 2/6/17
AG
hurricanejake02 said:
FYI - sanmarcoswelding.com is an available domain name. Seriously - it can be that easy.
OP Buy this domain for yourself!!
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FabricatorAg
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In reply to Absolute • 4:20a, 2/7/17
Absolute said:
hurricanejake02 said:
FYI - sanmarcoswelding.com is an available domain name. Seriously - it can be that easy.
OP Buy this domain for yourself!!


I would if I wasn't sticking with the family name for the business.
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schmendeler
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In reply to FabricatorAg • 6:45a, 2/7/17
AG
MichaelJ90 said:
Absolute said:
hurricanejake02 said:
FYI - sanmarcoswelding.com is an available domain name. Seriously - it can be that easy.
OP Buy this domain for yourself!!


I would if I wasn't sticking with the family name for the business.
it doesn't have to be the same name as your business
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hurricanejake02
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In reply to schmendeler • 9:27a, 2/7/17
AG
schmendeler said:
MichaelJ90 said:
Absolute said:
hurricanejake02 said:
FYI - sanmarcoswelding.com is an available domain name. Seriously - it can be that easy.
OP Buy this domain for yourself!!


I would if I wasn't sticking with the family name for the business.
it doesn't have to be the same name as your business
This - I'd buy both your family business name and sanmarcoswelding.com - you can have them both point to the same website.
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ABATTBQ11
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In reply to schmendeler • 9:35a, 2/7/17
AG
schmendeler said:
MichaelJ90 said:
Absolute said:
hurricanejake02 said:
FYI - sanmarcoswelding.com is an available domain name. Seriously - it can be that easy.
OP Buy this domain for yourself!!


I would if I wasn't sticking with the family name for the business.
it doesn't have to be the same name as your business


This. There are plenty of businesses that have web domains that do not match their company name.
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Absolute
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10:10a, 2/7/17
AG
As said, doesn't have to be the same name. But having a website name that is as close to what people would search for if they did not know your business name is a easy seo bonus.

I would buy both and just redirect the family name to the San Marcos one.
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Aggietaco
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10:17a, 2/7/17
AG
What kind of fab work do you do? Are you just a general welding and fab shop that takes on any metal jobs, or do you specialize? Just curious.
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FabricatorAg
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In reply to Aggietaco • 8:18p, 2/8/17
Aggietaco said:
What kind of fab work do you do? Are you just a general welding and fab shop that takes on any metal jobs, or do you specialize? Just curious.


Mostly specialty work. I'm really striving to market myself as more of a custom high end welder, then just a guy who can stick metal together.

Here's some of my recent projects:

https://imgur.com/gallery/3rdVD
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FabricatorAg
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8:46a, 2/9/17
As to reply to all of you on the board. Forgive me for a being a bit of a simpleton but these post are a lot of info to digest.

The site is a go, thanks to the posts, I'm still pretty green on SEO and do want my site at the top of the search engines, I'm trying to build my business right now off of volume, -and building a customer base, once I hit a monthly goal of business consecutively, I'll then start to focus more on the specialty side of things, that is where the money is in the welding industry. But you need a following first. The San Marcos area is booming right now, and I'm just hoping to get a sliver of the pie. My ultimate goal with this is to build a sustainable enough business to move my new (and impatiently waiting to grow) family to Wimberley, to raise my kids in a better community. My wife is Aggie c/o '15 (I'll uphold rule 1 since there's good info here.) and she is 100% behind me in this business, but she wants my business to see growth like the area haha. She works too so it's not all on me. Ive been able to keep us going a year with zero advertising just word of mouth. I know I provide a good enough product that I will put my work up against anyone, and I'm hungry. My wife's goal is to make the Aggie100 some day ha, quite lofty. Anyways, thanks for the help Ags.

Rule 1 https://imgur.com/a/UjhKB
I like mullets, and bourbon whiskey..
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wcb
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In reply to hurricanejake02 • 10:58a, 2/9/17
AG
hurricanejake02 said:
schmendeler said:
MichaelJ90 said:
Absolute said:
hurricanejake02 said:
FYI - sanmarcoswelding.com is an available domain name. Seriously - it can be that easy.
OP Buy this domain for yourself!!


I would if I wasn't sticking with the family name for the business.
it doesn't have to be the same name as your business
This - I'd buy both your family business name and sanmarcoswelding.com - you can have them both point to the same website.
Bank of America paid like $2M for loans.com back in the day. Only to redirect it to their web site.

For $35 it could be money well spent.
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Dumpster Fire
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In reply to FabricatorAg • 11:30a, 2/9/17

Good luck!
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ABATTBQ11
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In reply to FabricatorAg • 11:42a, 2/9/17
AG
That's some nice work.
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FabricatorAg
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In reply to Dumpster Fire • 12:32p, 2/9/17
Dumpster Fire said:
I work in San Marcos if you're ever needing to grab a beer.

mattphel at gmail

Good luck!


I'm always down for a trip to the porch or Zelick's for a Shiner! What do you do in San Marcos?
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