Why Your Business Should Have a Website

website-on-pc-screen1. To Establish a Presence

More than 3 Billion people worldwide have access to the World Wide Web, the Internet. Additionally, more than half of all internet traffic originated from a mobile device (such as cell phone or tablet.) No matter what your business is, you can’t ignore that many people – even if you are a local business.

Your business website can build relationships at a local level, crucial to the success of many small businesses. To be a part of that community and show that you are interested in serving them means being on the Web for them. You know your competitors will. [See the actual number of current Internet users]

2. To Gain Credibility for your Small Business

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 consumer confidence.

Even businesses who are “busy” need to have a website to maintain their presence in their community and their reputation as a great business.

4. Keep Your Customers Informed

What happens when you print a brochure? Any change in your business and the whole lot of print materials can be obsolete. A website can be kept up-to-date quickly and easily and OFTEN, serving the world with the best information about your business possible. It is effective for:

  • Announcing new products, upcoming events, special promotions and new services
  • Informing your market about information about your business; such as contact information and location

3. A Website Saves You Money

As a small business owner, you might think you can’t afford a professional website, but you really can’t afford NOT to have one. After the cost of getting it up and running, it costs very little to keep it running and up to date. Compare it to the cost of a newspaper ad or a phone book ad, when you consider the potential market you can reach with a website, it is a very cost effective way to promote your business.

5. To Serve Your Customers

Making business information available is one of the most important ways to serve your customers. At the most basic level, this means a professional looking website with easy to find, relevant information about your business.

At a more advanced level, it can mean the addition of business tools for your customers to interact with you, essentially giving your businesses a 24/7 sales staff. Such as:

  • Making forms available to fill out before an appointment or pre-qualify for loans
  • Advance customer service: allowing your staff to be ready to discuss your customer’s needs before getting on the phone with them
  • Allow your customer to see product availability and to research your products on their own, at their convenience

6. To Make Business Information Available

Educate your customers about your business before they contact you. You can start building the element of trust in your business on your website. A customer who calls you is an informed customer and is more likely to buy from you. Showcase your products and services with pictures and testimonials. Even businesses who are “busy” need to have a website to maintain their presence in their community and their reputation as a great business.