With consumers being more connected to the internet than ever before, how companies present themselves online has become just as important as in person. In order for a business to maintain the best digital brand, they may want to invest a custom database software or consult software developing companies to ensure they're presenting themselves the best they can. Companies may also want to take into account some of BusinessWeek's examples of good and bad company websites.
According to the news source, websites that belong to Chevron, Disneyworld, and Babycenter are markedly better than most on the internet. This isn't necessarily because of the custom database software that may house or display the website's content, but rather the content itself. For example, Chevron's website publishes articles and profiles that "put human stories first." This creates an interesting foil to help battle the company's inherent "big oil" image.
This is contrasted with British Petroleum (BP), which is another big oil company that has seen some very bad PR recently due to disasters in the Gulf Coast. The website, unfortunately, "suffers from poor presentation." Rather than organizing and displaying the rich content, the website only offers stacks of PDF files and "oversimplified" graphics.
Disneyworld's website provides its viewers with many interactive and engaging content opportunities that play towards the venerable brand. The site provides logistical information for parents such as package pricing, room sizes and dining options with games and entertaining content mixed in for the kids.
The media source compares Disneyworld's to Six Flags' website, which has been run over with a "mishmash of ads, social media widgets, images and links," making the viewing experience cumbersome and confusing. That is an example that consumers will want to steer clear from.