Like many small business owners, you may believe your business
cannot benefit from having a website or that a website is not within
your budget. Or maybe you think because you don’t use a computer,
neither do your potential customers. These are misconceptions. These 8
reasons show why your company NEEDS a professional website, no matter
what size your business.
1. YOUR SMALL BUSINESS WILL GAIN CREDIBILITY
Today, more and more consumers use the internet to search for the
products or services they need. Your small business will gain
credibility by having a website. Without one, potential customers will
go to your competitors that do. If you already have a website but it is
"home-made", having it professionally redesigned will provide your
business with a professional image which will inspire even greater
confidence. For home-based businesses, this is particularly beneficial
since you do not have a store front to promote your products or
services.
2. A WEBSITE SAVES YOU MONEY
As a small business owner you probably think you can't afford a
professional website, but you can't afford NOT to. Although the cost of
designing a website varies, once it's up and running, a website for a
small business generally costs under $100 a month and, in some cases,
as little as $20. Compared with the cost of a newspaper ad, when you
consider the potential market you can reach with a website, it is a
very cost effective way to promote your business.
3. IT WILL ENABLE YOU TO KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS INFORMED
Think of your website as being your online brochure or catalogue.
It is much easier and quicker to update information about your products
and services on your website than in print material, making it an
effective way of letting your customers know about the arrival of new
products, upcoming events, special promotions, or any new services you
now offer.
Unlike print ads which quickly become outdated, your website can
provide current information and news.
4. IT IS ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE
A website is available to both your regular and potential customers
24/7/365 providing them with the convenience of reviewing your
products and services when your store or office is closed. With today’s
busy lifestyles, this is a great selling point when making a purchase
decision.
5. A WEBSITE MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO TARGET A WIDER MARKET
Whether you provide products or services, your website will provide
an alternative location to sell them. As a retailer, a website
(eCommerce) is a great place to sell your products to a wider market;
even services can be made available globally. Don't think you'll be able
to sell your products or services online? Don't forget, even cars and
houses sell online!
6. IT PROVIDES A MEDIUM ON WHICH TO SHOWCASE YOUR WORK
No matter what type of business you’re in, a website is a great
place to showcase your work. By including a portfolio or image gallery,
as well as testimonials about your work, you can demonstrate what makes
your business unique.
7. A WEBSITE SAVES YOU TIME
Providing information to your customers takes time, whether it’s
on the phone, face-to-face, in a brochure, or in emails. With an online
catalogue you can provide lots of information about your products and
services. Once your website is up and running, it is available to your
customers indefinitely, saving you time. And what is time? Time is
money!
8. IT IMPROVES CUSTOMER SERVICE
Maybe you sell environmentally friendly products and would like to
share tips on how to recycle, or perhaps you’re an accountant and want
to give your clients advice on how to simplify their bookkeeping
practices. By including a FAQ page, adding articles or uploading
newsletters to answer all your customers' questions you can keep them
up-to-date. What better way to provide them with value added service
than by sharing information on your website.