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 Unlike print ads which quickly become outdated, your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.
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