eFish Marketing

General Questions

• Q: Who is eFish Marketing?

  A: eFish Marketing is a privately owned specialty marketing agency based in Los Angeles, California serving up website design and internet marketing solutions exclusively for security alarm companies and integrators across the USA, Canada and Latin America. We also work with product manufacturers like Honeywell as a channel partner to offer discounted services to their local dealers in order to increase product sales on a local level.

• Q: Why should I use eFish instead of a local web designer for my security website?

  A: We get this one a lot. Your security business is complex with multiple disciplines, product lines and target customers. It’s much more difficult that designing a website for a salon, restaurant or bakery shop.

  We have quite a few security companies as current clients who thought they could save money and time by hiring a local “web guy” to design their website. These prospective customers later became clients after wasting a lot of time and money to discover that most local web designers have no idea how to effectively build an effective security website.

  At eFish, we’ve been designing and marketing security websites since 2008. Security marketing is all we do. Our leadership team and staff are immersed in the culture of the security industry. We stay ahead of current trends and technologies that affect your security business, and are constantly refining and developing new and innovative ways to effectively represent security companies online.

  Bottom line: if you needed heart surgery would you have your family doctor do it, or would you place your trust in a board certified cardiac surgeon?

• Q: I’d rather meet with someone face to face. Can you come to my office?

  A: Without a doubt there are advantages to meeting in person when working with a company to design your website. However, advances in communications technology such as GoTo Meeting, video conferencing, online chat, and good old fashioned email and the phone have closed the communications gap and made it possible for us to work with clients anywhere in the world.

  In fact, online meetings and collaboration software are often more productive and cost effective than meeting in person. Time and money saved in travel expenses translate directly into cost savings for our clients – which means more value for you at a much lower cost.

  We attend industry events like ISC West, ESX, ASIS, as well as various product showcases and training events sponsored by major manufacturers. Chances are that if you attend some of these events, then we’ll have an opportunity to connect in person.

Website Design

• Q: How much will it cost? Are there discounts?

  A: Asking how much a website costs is like installing a security system on a large commercial building. How many cameras? Is it new construction or is there pre-wiring to deal with? How many windows / doors? How about Access control systems?

  The best value lies in our website design packages, which bring together all the elements that you will need for a successful online presence: SEO, a Content Management System, web apps, hosting and more are bundled to save you money. However, we realize that one size does not fit all, so contact us today to speak with an Account Manager. Discounts are available for partner companies. Please contact your product manufacturer for details on special pricing.

• Q: How long will it take?

  A: Most websites can be completed in as little as 6-8 weeks. Timeframes vary according to the project scope and timeliness of client feedback. Estimated milestones and benchmarks can be given as part of the proposal process.

• Q: What is the quoting and payment process?

  A: When you contact us, a seasoned security marketing account manager (it might even be our CEO!) will consult with you to discover your unique selling proposition as a security systems dealer / integrator. Based on that conversation, your account manager will provide you with a site map / page list, and recommend a website layout based on the goals that were discussed. If you are in agreement on the scope then a proposal will be provided for your review. A 50% deposit is all that is required for work to begin. 25% is due after you approve the design work, 25% is due when the website is complete, before being made public.

• Q: What software do you use to build websites? Can I make updates myself?

  A: Every website is built with a Content Management System (CMS). This is a highly specialized method of building websites that enables you make updates to the website yourself, or have someone in your organization do it. Once the website is complete, you’ll be given online administrative access to the back end of the website. This means that via the internet, you may login at any time to update text, add images, create new pages, and re-organize the menus. Your project manager who is an expert with our CMS will schedule a free 2 part tutorial / training session to cover all the basic tools you that will need to manage your website.

  Many security companies choose to leave the website management to us. We charge an hourly fee for occasional updates, or if you anticipate frequent updates, you can take advantage of special pricing on a quarterly “all you can eat” pricing. Your account manager can provide this as part of the proposal.

• Q: I’m not a good writer. How much website text will I have to provide?

  A: Every security company handles this differently. We have a library of pre-written keyword rich text just for security companies that you can choose from and customize for each type of service category (residential, commercial, government, etc. ). Original custom copy writing is available at $75 per page. We can also use text / images from manufacturer product brochures, or your existing website.

Website Hosting and Email

• Q: What are the website hosting options?

  A: We offer our clients 100% autonomy when it comes to hosting control and file ownership. We offer scalable and secure website hosting that comes standard with all website packages. Online access is available via the cPanel – the industry standard in website hosting. Some security companies have CIO’s that prefer to host the website internally or on the server of their choosing. In that case, all source files and databases will be transferred to you at the time of final payment so that you may install the website yourself.

• Q: Do you provide business email addresses?

  A: Yes – email comes standard with website hosting at no additional charge. You may create and manage as many POP / IMAP email accounts as you would like, with forwarding, auto responders, and advanced spam filters included. Your account manager will be happy to schedule a demo to show you how easy it is to manage emails.

  Some clients prefer to host their own email. That’s no problem. You may continue to host and manage your company email. However we do not offer IT support for email accounts not hosted with us.

Internet Marketing

• Q: What types of internet marketing do you offer and why should I consider it?

  A: Having a new website without a plan to market the website is like having a security system installed without monitoring. One isn’t much good without the other. You have a website. Now you need to leverage it to drive more sales.

  Because we only work with security companies, we are able to get results faster and at a lower cost per lead than almost any other agency can do. That means more phone calls and sales inquiries for your business.

  We use search engine marketing to generate new leads, social media and email to engage with your current customers, and the very best monitoring and analytics software to prove ROI and demonstrate results. Contact an account manager today at 800-461-1465 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.