Thinking Outside The Shoe Box

In 2006 a young American traveler, Blake Mycoskie, befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created a shoe company, TOMS Shoes.

TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good. Although it gives as much as it receives, the company is not non-profit.

Since TOMS launched, it has given over 140,000 pairs of shoes in the United States and across the world under their One for One movement. In 2009, TOMS Shoes plans to give away 300,000 pairs of shoes to children in need.

I originally stumbled across the TOMS Shoes story while I was flipping channels late at night. I only caught the end of the news story, but that was enough to peak my interest. So what is the next thing I did … you guessed it … I searched for them on the web.

TOMS Shoes, in my opinion, is a classic example of a website that does an excellent job of communicating information to their visitors. The TOMS website strikes a balance of visually pleasing photography with solid content. The website design is inviting for the visitor who is interested in learning more about the One for One movement and equally easy to navigate for the visitor interested in purchasing their product.

I was also intrigued by the plethora of associated websites that they have developed. In addition to their website, TOMS has created:

• a Charity website
• a Blog site
• a Facebook page
• a Twitter page
• a You Tube page

TOMS Shoes is using the power of the internet to publicize their company and their message.

Although it may be obvious how important the internet is to your business, sometimes the choir needs to be preached to. We can not emphasize enough that all businesses big and small should continually increase their web presence. It has been our experience that the clients who have embraced the internet and its offerings have been able to expand their business even in these tough economic times.

If you would like to discuss how the internet can further enhance your business, please call us at 682-4990 or Email Us.

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Your Feedback

1. Thanks so much for the article about TOMS Shoes. I’ve been “meaning to” buy a pair since I saw the TV commercial, but your links made it easy to DO. I feel good. Am realizing the importance of a presence other than just a website.

   
   — Bobbi Hahn    May 29, 12:24