Launching a Green Website

This past week, Pepsi-Cola North America launched two new websites, both focused on going green. Pepsi Eco Challenge is a website that explains what Pepsi is doing in the areas of energy, water, and sustainable packaging. There’s also a news section for press releases to keep consumers up to date with Pepsi’s efforts to go green.

The second eco-friendly website Pepsi launched is Pepsi Recycling. This site offers information about recycling old Pepsi bottles and encourages a more pro-active approach to trash. Website visitors can even enter sweepstakes and sign recycling pledges. You can read more here.

How can you launch a green website?

It isn’t just large companies like Pepsi that can benefit from a green website. Studies show that consumers are more willing to support companies taking steps to go green, so by telling companies about your eco-friendly steps, you can boost your sales.

Going green with your website isn’t hard.

STEP ONE: First, make sure you actually are going green. Greenwashing is dishonest and people can see it from a mile away. If you haven’t actually taken steps to go green yet, here are some steps that any business can do. Typically, though, you also want to take steps unique to your industry, using greener materials for example.

STEP TWO: Next, determine if you want to create a green website or if you simply want to add a green section to your current website. This depends on the scope of your green-ness and the size or your company.

STEP THREE: Purchase hosting or create new pages for your website. You may need to hire someone to help you create this content, especially if you aren’t well-versed in the technology behind building a website and don’t feel confident with your writing skills (and if you need help with the later, check out my writing company, by all means!).

STEP FOUR: Promote the new part of your website (or your new website if you’re creating a total green website). You can do this through press releases, your mailing list (if you have one), social networking, and more! Remember to clearly link to this new green website on your company’s homepage.

STEP FIVE: Keep this information updated. Hire someone to maintain it, or update it yourself, at least on a monthly basis. You might also want to hire someone to create and maintain a company blog for you, to keep your consumers updated.

Launching a green website can really help take your product/service to the next level. Don’t own your own business? Consider talking to your employer about this option, especially if you have the skills to make it happen. Remember, pay raises and promotions are given to people who go above and beyond!