Monday, May 30, 2011

Three Common Mistakes made with Security Company Websites

Find out the three biggest mistakes you can make with your security company website.

I’ve visited a lot of Security and Investigation websites over the years, more so than most people ever will. I’ve also built 100’s of websites over the last decade, so I have an idea of what works and what doesn’t. Some sites are fantastic promotional tools for the company. Many in the security industry though leave a lot to be desired.

Below I’ll cover some of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen on Security Company Websites and give you an insight into why.

1. We are the leading security company
Really? Are you sure? Did you know that the potential client just visited 10 of your competitors and 8 of them said exactly the same thing. Who are they to believe? In a world where information is fast and quick at hand, where your competitors are only a few clicks away, sprouting to the world that you are the leading company does not inspire confidence. In fact it can have a negative effect when everyone else is saying exactly the same thing.

Find ways of inspiring confidence in your product or services that don’t require you to make claims without validation.

2. We offer Security Services Melbourne, Guards Melbourne, CCTV Melbourne, Alarms Melbourne
We get the point, you offer services in Melbourne. But who exactly do you think will be reading the words on your website? Potential clients? Existing clients? What are they going to think when you repeat words over and over to the point where it becomes painful to read? It’s not like you’d ever use a sentence like that when talking to them face to face, but that’s what your website is doing.

Now some of you reading this may be thing why on earth would anyone do that. Well some web designers, so called search engine optimisation experts and some people that just read the wrong things online think that if you repeat words over and over that you’ll get better search engine rankings. To an extent this is somewhat true. I mean the search engines are just programs and need to figure out what your page is about. So including on-topic keywords “within reason” helps the search engines get a better picture of what your company is all about.

The biggest problem with this though lies in the fact that the page will be read by humans, your potential clients. Even if you get the better rankings, what are those potential clients going to think when they read that? You may also find yourself penalized and lose your rankings in the search engines, but that’s another story. There are a lot of factors that go into search engine rankings, so focus on things that don’t require making a mockery of the English language. So to keep it simple, write for humans first, search engines second.

3. Last updated 2007
Do you still exist? You must since you paid your webhosting and domain name fees all this time, but do potential clients know that? A website built in the style of the last millennium also doesn’t inspire much trust or professionalism.

Now not everyone that set-up their website a long time ago believes the internet holds any value for their business. It probably didn’t work for them then and hence forth it probably won’t work now. The website though is a reflection of your business and speaks volumes about your attitude towards potential clients.

A quick update is in store and you don’t even have to break open the piggy bank to do so. With all the how-to websites around, with kids these days learning to build websites in school, I’m sure most companies could find a way to upload at least a one page site to replace that dinosaur. Keep it simple, present it neatly and include all relevant information. It should be a pretty quick thing.

How much is one new client that finds you on the net worth to your security business over a number of years anyway?

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Reduce Crime with Wireless/ non-Wireless CCTV Systems

CCTV Cameras are probably the best ways to reduce crime with your business or home, and there are numerous of places to purchase CCTV equipment. Below are a few factors to consider once shopping for CCTV cameras that will help you save time and expense, as well as help you to preferable to protect your home.

CCTV systems are used in public places all over the world for crime prevention. Or in the case of a crime being committed, the footage from the cameras can be used to apprehend and convict the perpetrators, perhaps even recover stolen property. And if they are wireless CCTV systems, it’s even more convenient.

CCTV systems for homes and work are, of course, not as elaborate as the ones used in huge malls or city streets. But they follow the same principle. The signal from the cameras is transmitted to only a limited number of screens or monitors. The footage is recorded so you can view it at your convenience. The system is quite easy to set up so you don’t have to pay a technician to come over and install it. Since they are wireless and there are no cables to get tangled up in, you can change the location of the cameras as and when you wish. Wireless CCTV cameras are fast becoming the ultimate tool in the fight against crime.

Rather than hire security personnel, most people are choosing CCTV systems to monitor their home or business. Security guards gain a lot of knowledge about your property and your comings and goings even if they’re on the job for just a week. This information can prove invaluable to planning a break-in. No matter how clean their background checks, who can you really trust nowadays?

The sight of a CCTV camera on your property will psychologically impair a burglar’s nerve to break and enter. Security experts aver that this is the main reason that CCTV systems are so effective in preventing crime. If the criminal plans to go ahead with the crime regardless, there’s a greater chance that the fear will make him bungle the job and get caught anyway. Statistics show that shops and convenient stores that have visible CCTV cameras have fewer instances of shop-lifting or “stick-ups”.

Where to Set Up Your Wireless CCTV System

Survey the property that you want to protect. You’ll want a camera at all entry and exit points including windows. You can also install infrared cameras outside your home for night-time surveillance. If the system is for your shop, consider all areas of the shop that are not directly visible from the cashier’s desk. Then, of course, there’s the cash counter. Consider any area that might be an advantage to a burglar, and put up a camera there. The receiver and monitors should be installed in an area where you spend most of your time.

Some CCTV systems come equipped with motion sensors. So it is only when the system detects an intruder that the cameras will come on, accompanied by a piercing alarm. Some security systems will even call the police or your cell phone to alert you. This is especially useful if you’re away a lot or if you don’t have the resources to man someone at the monitors all day.

The form of your camera will even play a huge part in how well hidden you is, and exactly how secure you can your office or home. Often times, if a surveillance camera is very obvious or large, criminals will immediately try and destroy the camera before stealing merchandise or money, or otherwise not damaging the home. If your CCTV camera is well hidden, it will be a hardship on burglars to obtain the camera, and it's also more likely that you're going to catch the trespassing on tape accurately. A discreet camera will likely make customers forms of languages in your house feel safer. So, small cameras, dome-shaped cameras, and in many cases submergible cameras make the perfect idea if you wish to add a little more security to your dwelling or business.

Don’t wait till you’re the victim of a crime before taking precautions. Install a wireless CCTV system today and sleep easy.