It amazes me just how dependant we are on the Internet now. We receive orders, even from Trade Customers electronically. We talk in real-time using Skype and email. We send photos of new products in prototype development as they are produced, changing things almost in real-time using email and webcams.
At times, broadband fails and it’s a real pain, but normally BT react and in a few hours its back. When we had a longer problem this Autumn, we got a dongle and went on mobile broadband, which kept things going.
But, where we are dependant on Google, its much harder to find an alternative.
This week we have a problem which has shown me just how much we depend on Google. Our Sports Business is growing and developing. Its new but, we are making good sales, and learning about the market. We have two sectors, Sports Balls and Sports Bras. We are trying to target niche areas of sports, where we can make a difference. Delivering great service and amazing expertise in difficult, hard to understand technical areas. We have recruited expert Sports People, and a technologist who understands materials and manufacturing techniques. We are in it for the long run.
But, we made a basic, schoolboy mistake on the Sports Bras website, We managed to accidentally add some code that asked Google to de-index it, and at the same time managed to load the web site to two domains at the same time, creating duplicate content.
The result is that Google has de-indexed the site. Instant relegation in search, and zero traffic. That means zero sales. And it has made me realize just how reliant we are on Google for business.
Its one thing to say, let’s be the best at this, so Google makes us number one. Then you get lots of sales. But, if for whatever reason, Google drops you, the sales go, and you are left with a massive problem.
Its like having only one massive customer. Fall out with them and its curtains. Best we remain friends, and stop the muppet mistakes.
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