About Database Watchdog and Frank Salvatore

Why the Name Database Watchdog?

I'm Frank Salvatore, and I founded Database Watchdog in 2002.

I have an extensive background with databases - as a developer and administrator. The original focus of Database Watchdog was to provide clients with database driven websites and support.

Most of my early clients already had a well established client base and weren't looking for additional marketing help. So most of the sites that I put together weren't oriented towards bringing in new clients. There wasn't a large marketing aspect to these websites.

A New Business Model: Marketing Oriented Websites

A Website that Brings in Prospects Would Be More Valuable to Clients

At some point, it hit me - instead of building static websites that are just essentially company brochures online - I could be developing websites that actually bring clients to the business.

I knew these websites could be powerful marketing tools for their owners.

For me, work is a lot more enjoyable when you can directly measure the positive impact that you're having for the client in terms of new leads, new business and new revenue. I was tired of building lazy websites, I wanted to put these websites to work for their owners.

Why Even Have a Website?

I took this notion of marketing-oriented websites a step further. Why even have a website? I believe all clients should ask themselves that very question. Websites have the capability to proactively work for your business in a few very discrete ways.

When you boil it down, there are really only 3 good reasons to have a website:

1. To Generate New Leads for Your Business
2. To Market to Existing Clients
3. To Reduce Client Support Requirements (clients self-serve on your website)

It is surprising the number of prospective clients that I talk to who really haven't thought this out very thoroughly. Before even talking to a web designer, you should have an idea of why you even want to have a website.

My focus is no longer solely on building websites – my focus is on helping my clients achieve their marketing goals. I find these goals are most effectively achieved through online marketing campaigns crafted around the client's web presence.

Today

Today, the focus is on providing value to the client through online marketing activities. I do this pay-per-click and search engine optimization processes outlined on this website. Websites are merely a supporting tool to help bring value to my clients. Websites aren't the complete focus of my business.

So, Do I Still Build Websites?

I can – and do – still build websites from scratch when it makes sense to do so. However - there are a few different ways for a client to have an effective website - and it isn't limited to a large corporate websites. Web presences that I put together can come in various flavors:

1. Microsites - A stripped down version of a corporate website that is created to support online marketing campaigns. A microsite will generally be less than 10 pages.
2. Landing Pages- A one page landing area where website visitors will arrive after clicking on an online ad. This can either be a stand alone domain name, or a new page adding to a client's existing website.
3. Corporate Websites - This is the large website that most people are accustomed to. This is your business's home on the Internet.