Hosway CorpISSUE 77 / March 2008

Dear Valued Customer,

Companies that sell to international markets can take advantage of the US dollar's low value against other foreign currencies.

A lower dollar means countries with stronger currencies get an automatic discount on American products, and you don't even have to lower your price!

This month's newsletter will show you how easy it is to extend your reach to an international audience online.

Hostway Community

White-Noyes Technologies
Robin Noyes cofounded White-Noyes Technologies — a small but growing mobile computer repair, support and sales company — about three years ago. Noyes recently won Hostway's $5,000 online makeover and plans to use her prize for a complete Web site redesign to drive more online business to her company. "As it stands right now, I'm very, very happy with the products and services we have received,” said Noyes, a customer since 2007.

www.whitenoyes.com

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Brain Teaser

Think you know the most about Web hosts? Find out now by answering this month's brain teaser. Click the link to see if you picked the right answer!

If you use a Windows computer, do you have to choose Windows Web hosting plan?

A. Yes. Microsoft's operating system makes it impossible to launch content to a Windows-based server from a Mac.

B. No. You can post and update your Web site content from any computer with Web access no matter which operating system you choose for your Web hosting plan.

C. No. You can choose a Linux plan if you use a Windows computer, but you won't be able to access your site.

Get the answer.

Previous Survey Results

Which customer retention tools do you use:

Regular email communication

46%

CRM system

31%

Loyalty programs and discounts

15%

None of the above

8%

 

Brain Teaser Answer:
B. No. You can post and update your Web site content from any computer with Web access no matter which operating system you choose for your Web hosting plan.

In This Issue

  1. Top Story: Take Advantage of the Dollar's Decline — Go International!
  2. Hostway News:
  3. Smart Tip: Be culturally sensitive to the markets you're trying to reach.
  4. Special Offers:

1. Top Story

Take Advantage of the Dollar's Decline — Go International!

Take advantage of the dollar's falling value while you can. When the value of the dollar tumbles, US goods and services become a steal for consumers in countries with stronger currencies. For example, the value of a British pound now stands at about US$2. If you market your products in Britain, you're offering customers an automatic 50% discount without lowering your profit margin!

Reaching international markets is easier than you might think. If you sell online, you can reap the profits of international business without leaving your country. Here's what you need:

1. An ecommerce Web hosting plan

If you're not already selling online, you're missing the opportunity to reach international online shoppers. The first step in selling online is switching to a Web hosting plan that includes ecommerce features such as a shopping cart and secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate.

An ecommerce plan allows you to post your products with images, descriptions and specs, and it gives customers the ability to securely order your products online, no matter where they are.

2. A merchant account that accepts foreign currency

To accept credit card and debit card payments through your ecommerce Web site, you'll need to open a merchant account. To sell to international markets, your account must accept and convert foreign currency.

PayPal merchant accounts can accept foreign currencies at competitive exchange rates. The company offers transactions in 16 different currencies covering countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Look into your other options as well.

3. Translations of your Web site

If you're expanding into a country whose native language is different from your own, you'll need someone to translate your Web site. Do not attempt to use free online translation services. They're sure to mistranslate some of the idioms and slang that are a part of every language. Hire someone fluent in the culture and language to translate your Web site to make sure it sounds natural to a native speaker.

4. A marketing plan for gaining business in your target countries

When your Web site is ready, you'll need a plan for attracting customers. You can use many of the same strategies you use at home to reach an international market. Google AdWords, for instance, offers ads in up to 40 different languages.

If your domestic profits have been hit by the slowing US economy, you can make more money in the short-term by reaching out to international markets. But it's also a great long-term strategy to diversify your customer base and help you weather future business cycles.

2. Hostway News

Two Months Free on Edge Caching CDN

Now you can inject some speed into your Web site with Hostway's content delivery network (CDN) and get two months free. For a limited time, we're offering all dedicated server customers current on billing with a Web site averaging at least 100 GB of bandwidth over the past three months the chance to save hundreds of dollars on our patent-pending CDN.

Learn more

Free Setup and 10% off New Microsoft Windows Server 2008

Hostway is among the first Web hosts to offer Microsoft Windows Server 2008, the most advanced Windows operating system to date, with a special promotion. Customers who order a dedicated server with this operating system get free setup and 10% off the monthly price for the life of their account.

Learn more

3. Smart Tip

Be culturally sensitive to the markets you're trying to reach.

Before you begin promoting your Web site in another country, have someone familiar with the culture take a look at your content to make sure you don't offend your potential customers or make yourself look silly.

4. Special Offers!

PhotoshopSupport.com

Save up to $150 on Photoshop CS3 Bundles and 5 Lightroom Training Clips

Photoshopsupport.com is offering Hostway customers two exclusive special offers this month. First, take advantage of four different discounts on Photoshop CS3 bundles that could save you up to $150. Then, visit Photoshopsupport.com for five free video Total Training video clips and a coupon for 20% off your next purchase.

Learn more about these special offers.

Websitemagazine.com

Get a Free Subscription to "Website Magazine"

Hostway has teamed up with "Website Magazine" to offer you a free subscription. This quarterly publication delivers information about proven Internet business practices and emerging trends that directly relate to Web site owners.

Sign up for your free subscription now.

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