It’s 2014. Your business needs a website.
Your Small Business will Gain Credibility
Today, more and more consumers use the internet to search for the products or services they need. Potential customers expect you to have a website. If you don’t they’ll shop or go somewhere else. I often hear from my potential clients that they ‘Have a Guy’ be it a nephew, neighbor or retired father-in-law, who can build a website for them. DON’T. You have to look professional. A professionally designed website 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.
A Website Saves You Money and Adds Value
As a small business owner you probably think you can’t afford a professional website, but you can’t afford NOT to. Any business development expert will tell you to budget for a good website. The cost of designing a website varies, but 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 that to the cost of a newspaper ad. The website will be up 24/7/365. Unlike the paper which will be tossed away with the recycling. When you consider the potential market you can reach with a website, it is a very cost effective way to promote your business.
It Will Enable You to Keep Your Customers Informed
Your website is you your online brochure or catalog. It’s much easier and quicker to update information about your products and services on your website than in print material, so it’s easy to let your customers know about new products, upcoming events, special promotions, or any new services you now offer. Unlike print ads which quickly become outdated, your website can have current information and news daily.
It Is Always Accessible
A website is available to both your regular and potential customers providing them with the convenience of reviewing your products and services even when your store or office is closed. With today’s busy lifestyles, this is a great selling point when making a purchase decision.
Mobile Site Isn’t ‘On The Go’ Anymore
People sleep with their phones now. When given a chance to look something up, even when there’s a computer in the room, 73% of us pick up the phone to research. Make sure your site is mobile friendly and easy to navigate on smart devices. If you have a business that takes reservations or phone orders you MUST have a press to call button.
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?
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, you can demonstrate what makes your business unique.
A Website Saves Your 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 catalog 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!
A Website Will Improve 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.
