Ithaca Agway is about to reveal its latest project: a dramatic new website. The Sanmita team has put the final touches on Ithaca Agway’s new site, which features more images, expanded content and intuitive navigation. The site will be easy for users to browse and explore the store’s wide array of products and services.
The new Ithaca Agway site is powered by our exclusive Academics Web content management system (CMS). The Ithaca Agway staff will be coming to the Sanmita offices for training on Academics Web and the new site. Then the Ithaca Agway team will be ready to input their content and launch the new site.
Ithaca Agway is one of our first small business clients to use the Academics Web CMS. Our system is well-suited for small businesses because we can tailor the CMS to any specifications. We’ll create features that a client needs, and leave out sections that they won’t use. The Sanmita staff provides training and support on AcademicsWeb. As a client gains experience with the CMS, we can make changes and improve the product to their specifications.
Ithaca Agway is launching its website at an important time, as small businesses seek new ways to market their products and services. Small businesses are recognizing that their websites are a critical component to future growth. In 2014, 40% of US small businesses plan to increase spending on their company websites, according to data from Thrive Analytics. The small businesses surveyed said they plan to spend more on company websites than on paid search ads, social media and online video. In addition, website spending was the only category that increased over 2013 spending levels.
And just another nugget of data to show how important small businesses think their websites are:
50% of companies surveyed said their websites are the most effective promotional and marketing method.
Ithaca Agway, located in Ithaca, New York, is positioned as a locally-owned alternative to large home improvement chains. The store is known for its expansive array of products and its expertise in advising and instructing shoppers. To date, however, the store’s website has been limited and difficult to navigate. By launching a new, streamlined site, Ithaca Agway will be better positioned to reach shoppers and then convert them into customers. And because Ithaca Agway is in the home improvement business, the new website is launching just in time for spring and summer gardening and renovation projects.