Bangor man’s Web site focuses on Maine golf Weston says ‘content is the key’

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Cary Weston of Bangor is building a golf Web site, MainelyGolf.com, which will be grounded in Maine but touching the rest of the golf world.

He wants his Internet site to be more inclusive than many that are available now.

“The one thing I’ve learned is content is the key,” said Weston. “You’ve only got 10-15 seconds when someone goes to the site to hold them.”

Weston’s site, which has been up for “30-60 days,” includes a listing of most Maine golf courses, which is available several places on the Web. More than that, though, he also offers articles, free classifieds, links to other sites, tournament listings, and more.

“Anything that gives added value is good,” Weston said.

“It’s more than trying to find phone numbers,” he said. “I also [plan to have] weather reports, directions, and an interactive bulletin board.”

He was surprised one day by an advertiser that just popped in.

“Out of the blue, a company from Tennessee was selling [ultraviolet rays] blocker sunglasses,” Weston said.

The idea struck the 28-year-old Weston, a 1990 graduate of Bangor High and a ’94 grad of the University of Maine, during a trip to a driving range.

Now his site is listed with Internet search engines such as Yahoo! and America Online and many smaller ones.

“It’s cool to actually see something that was an idea you had on a driving range actually listed there,” said Weston.

Weston’s most ambitious part of the project is setting up a membership system which will entitle a cardholder to special deals at Maine golf courses which have signed onto his project.

Weston, who works as a marketing specialist, knows that getting a company’s name out before the public helps build a customer base.

He also knows, in the golf world, that some golf clubs have the resources to market themselves effectively while most have a more difficult time doing so.

“I saw a discrepancy in marketing [between the well-known courses and the smaller ones],” said Weston. “The little guys don’t have that much of an advertising budget.

“I thought if I could turn [the Web site] into a resource, and also educate the public, it would be a win-win situation.”

He has high hopes.

“My goal is to have the largest network of recreational golfers in the state, an inexpensive membership, if you will,” Weston said.

Members will also get newsletters, columns, and e-mail. Weston wants to keep the costs down.

“I’m figuring $20-25 to have a card to be a MainelyGolf.com member,” he said.

Additional revenue, said Weston, will come from corporate sponsors. He’ll be able to set up a link to their site, a banner program or maybe even a page on his site.

His problem at the moment is getting courses signed up.

“The response has been excellent from the golf courses [that he’s talked to],” he said.

He did say he has had difficulty discussing his proposal with some golf course owners.

“The name recognition isn’t there yet,” he said. “Those I’ve been able to talk to have been very interested and forthcoming.”

Weston has found that it’s not because the owners don’t want to talk to him, it’s that they can be too busy this time of year.

“Four or five” courses have been lined up, so far, according to Weston, who knows it could be a long process.

“Unfortunately, most of the legwork for 2001 will only get me to be ready for 2002,” admitted Weston.

That doesn’t discourage him from working on the Web site.

“I have a home office. I work on it nights and weekends,” Weston said.

His wife, Jennifer Craig-Weston, is supportive of the time he’s putting into it, he said.

“She’s a golfer as well,” said Weston.

Although the Maine golf season only lasts 6-7 months, Weston thinks there will be enough updating to keep him busy year-round.

“There are quite a few avenues where this can flourish. I’m confident I can make this a 12-month operation.”

He would like it to become a full-time job.

“That’s the dream,” he said. “I see it evolving not into just a network, but a real company, a brick-and-mortar company.”

Dave Barber is the NEWS golf writer. The Golf scene will appear each Wednesday through September. He can be reached at 990-8170 or by e-mail at dbarber@bangordailynews.net.