Do I really need a Web Page?

I don't have a computer. Should I even consider having a webpage?

Is a Web Page the same as a newspaper ad?

What is a Community-Based Web Site?

What are the advantages to being in a Community-Based Site?

Do I have to enter through the Community Page?

How much does it cost?

I can get a free Web Page elsewhere? Why should I pay?

How are payments made?

What if there are already other businesses listed that are the same as mine?

What if I want to cancel my webpage?

1. Do I really need a Web Page?
    It depends. Pretty vague, isn't it? It's like asking whether or not you need to advertise. If you are a small business and don't have a store front on Main Street, you probably have to advertise. Even if you are on Main Street, you probably still need to advertise!
    A Web Page is simply another method of telling the world that your business exists. It is unique in that you can post more information than a typical ad space will allow.
    Our research has shown that the majority of people want more information than is typically available in a standard 2x2-inch ad. People want to know where you are and how to get there (maps are a nice touch!), when are you open (people truly get annoyed when they drive to your store and you're closed!), and what service your business provides.

2. Should I consider having a Web Page if I don't have a computer?
    Certainly. There are many businesses on the internet that don't have internet access or even computers! The purpose of the Web Page is to provide information. There is no need to be physically connected to the web on a daily basis.

3. Is a Web Page the same as a newspaper ad?
    No. Presently, a Web Page works best in conjunction with other forms of advertising, such as newspapers and magazines. Because of space restrictions and cost, most printed ads can only list basic information. Putting your Web Page address in your ad will refer people to where they can find more detailed information about your business. This is especially true for businesses whose names don't readily identify the type of business they're in or home-based businesses that don't have a store-front.

4. What is a Community-Based™ Website?
    A community-based website is like an electronic shopping mall. Only businesses based within your community can have websites here.
     Viewers enter through a common front door (the Community Page) and then proceed to their store-of-choice by way of a list of categories such as Auto Parts, Hardware Stores, or Hair Salon's, for example. Your website would be accessed through one of the categories.

5. What are the advantages to being in a Community-Based™  Site?
    When someone surfs the internet looking for information on a particular business they may not be able to find that business, unless they already know the address. By having a common address, the same person now has access to all the listed businesses within the entire community. Using an easy-to-remember address allows more people to find your business. Through cross-linking, you will be indirectly referring potential customers to other businesses within your community and they'll be doing the same for you.

6. Do I have to enter through the Community Page?
    No. Your customers can go directly to your Web Page without passing through the community page. Your web page would follow the community address, southbury-ct.com, in this example. If you named your web page abc, your direct path to your webpage would be www.southbury-ct.com/abc/. You would list this on your business cards, print ads, etc.

   As a convenience, we've also made an abbreviated address that goes to the same place -- www.stby.com. Using the example above, you also have the option of putting www.stby.com/abc on your business cards, print media, etc.

7. How much does it cost?
    Probably less per month than you're paying for a 2x2-inch printed ad. Additionally, your Webpage is accessible 24 hours per day, everyday.

   Our Standard Plan is $25.00 per month (you'll notice we didn't use $24.99!!) and should meet the requirements of most businesses.

   An Enhanced Plan is also available for businesses needing more space and/or frequent updates of site content.

   For those businesses that already have websites, check out our Links Plan. At $10 per month, you'll enjoy the benefits of our Community-Based system while retaining complete control over the size and composition of your site.

8. I can get a free Web Page elsewhere? Why should I pay?
    Yes, you can certainly get free websites elswhere. However, your "free" Web Page will most likely contain the advertisements of the companies that are actually paying for your "free" space.
    A free website is usually slower to load than other paid sites for a number of reasons, including: high traffic loads at the host, limited access to the site, slow data transfer rates, etc.
     You'll also have to obtain the necessary software to design and maintain your "free" web page or use the limited software that's available through the free site.
     Like everything else in life, you get what you pay (or don't pay) for. On the plus side, you get complete control over the look and content of your site and can make any changes or updates yourself. Our Links Plan is setup with with this scenario in mind.

9. How are payments made?
    Payment can be made by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) or by check. Payments by check are made quarterly and must be received by the 25th (or next business day) day of the month to keep your account active. Discounts are available for business that pay semi-annually or annually.

10. What if there are already other businesses listed that are the same as mine?
    So what! The same businesses are probably listed near you in the phone book, too! The advantage here is that listings are placed on a first-come, first-listed basis. If your business begins with the letter "Z" and you are the first business in that category to list with us, guess what? You get to be at the head of the line!
     Please be aware that this policy is for active accounts only. If you cancel your account and then reactivate it at a future date, your listing position will be based on the reactivation date, not the original date.

11. Cancellations
    If you should decide that you no longer wish to maintain a web page, simply notify us prior to the 25th of the month (or next workday) and we will remove your web page. If you paid ahead, your money will be refunded, minus that already used.