Every business needs a website. More than 20 million shoppers are on the Internet. Potential customers, employees, investors, partners, and fans are all surfing the net right now. A business without a website will lose business to competitors that do have an online presence.
Nowadays every business needs a website. More than 20 million shoppers are on the Internet. Businesses large and small of all varieties have already established their brands online and have made millions. There’s no excuse now, it’s as easy as a few clicks away on some free services like mySpace or Blogger. (Be careful though. A poorly designed free website can adversely affect your brand image.) Potential customers, employees, investors, partners, and fans are all surfing the net right now. Still not convinced? Here’s the breakdown.
1. In this day and age it’s expected.
In a recent study the PEW Institute found that more than 73% of American adults presently use the Internet to find local businesses, research products and compare prices before they decide to support them. A web presence for any size business is essential because customers today expect it. This number will only grow with younger generations virtually growing-up online.
2. Showcase your brand and give it instant credibility.
Make a great first impression. Your website is one of the first places a prospective customer can get to know you. A professionally designed, well written and resourced websiteis an effective way to connect to your clients. Customers prefer buying products and services from established businesses. (or one’s that look established.)
3. Having a website will save your business time and money. And it’s convenient.
Think of your website as the ultimate full-color, interactive brochure with all the relevant information your customers may need. Expand your reach by offering your services and products online. Keep your customers informed, provide automated support and offer frequently requested forms, files and pictures online (A 24 hour, 7 days a week presence on the web is invaluable.) so you can concentrate on other ways to grow your business.
4. Expand your customer base and get to know them.
Gain worldwide exposure on the web. Referrals are a crucial source of revenue for many businesses. A website is an easy way for your customers to refer their friends and business contacts to your business. Get to know your customers better and get instant feedback. Using free analytical tools can give you specific feedback on what your customers are interested in.
5. Generate more revenue.
A well designed website can give you the edge you need from your competitors. While having a website does not replace the need for marketing and advertising, it has a great potential for adding to the customer’s experience. It has also been found that a print advertisement that listed a website address increased the response to the advertisement by 79% over the same advertisement without a web address. Generate even more revenue with services like Google AdSense or other affiliate programs.
Nowadays it is essential that any size business has a website. (Unless your website is doing your brand more harm than good by being just plain bad. Keep in mind that your brand is the most valuable thing your business can cultivate.) The bottom line is that a business without a website will lose business to competitors that do have an online presence and that nowadays customers, partners and enthusiasts expect all the businesses and brands they support to be on the web. So don’t put it off any longer and get your website up today!
