Do I really need a website – my business is small?
Just like a lot of small business owners, you may assume your business could not benefit from having a website or perhaps that a website is not within your budget. Alternatively, you may think that because you don’t use a computer, then neither do your potential customers. These are misconceptions.
When not to have a web site
To answer the question “do i really need a website”, I want to make clear the reason against it first of all. It is far better to have no website whatsoever than to have a poorly implemented one! A website gives an important impression of your business. A chaotic, difficult to navigate website with spelling mistakes and poor design is going to have more of a detrimental effect on your business as compared to not having a website to start with. A small, basic, but perfectly structured website is much more preferable to one that is chaotic, confusing and cluttered.
Why you should most definitely have a professional website even though you are a small business
These 8 reasons show why your company needs a professional website, no matter what the size your business.
1. Your business will gain credibility
These days, an increasing number of consumers make use of the internet to search for the products or services they need. Your small business will gain credibility by means of your website. Without one, prospective customers will go to your business competitors that do. If you currently have a website but it is “home-made”, getting it professionally redesigned will provide your business with a professional image that will generate more customer confidence. For “based at home” businesses, this is especially advantageous because you do not need a storefront to market your products or services.
2. A website saves you money
As a small business owner you most likely believe you are unable to afford a professional website, but the truth is you can’t afford NOT to. Even though the cost of creating a website varies, as soon as it’s up and running, a website for a small business typically costs very little per month to maintain. When compared with the expense of a newspaper advertisement, when you take into consideration the potential market it is possible to 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
You should think about your website as being your online brochure or catalogue. It is much simpler and quicker to update details about your products or services on your website compared to printed material. This makes 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 printed adverts, which quickly become outdated, your website can provide current information and news.
4. It is always accessible
A website is accessible to both your recurring and prospective customers 24/7/365. It provides them with the convenience of checking out your products and services when your business or office is closed. With today’s hectic lifestyles, this really is an effective use of a website when making a purchase decision.
5. A website makes it possible to target a wider market
Regardless of whether you provide products or services, a website will give you an alternative method to sell them. As a retailer, a website ( eCommerce ) is an effective place to sell your products to a wider marketplace.
Don’t believe you will 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
Regardless of what type of business you’re in, a website is an excellent place to showcase your work. By including a portfolio or image gallery, along with testimonials concerning your work, you are able to demonstrate just what makes your business stand out from your competition.
7. A website saves you time
Supplying information to your customers takes time whether it’s on the phone, in person, in a catalogue, or in emails. With a web based catalogue you can provide a great deal of information regarding your products and services. As soon as your website is off the ground, it is accessible to your customers indefinitely, thus saving you time. Remember, time is money!
8. It improves customer service
As an example, perhaps you sell environmentally friendly products and want 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. You can answer all your customers’ questions and keep them up-to-date by including a ‘frequently asked questions’ (FAQ) page on your website. You could also add articles or upload newsletters. What better way to provide your customers with a value added service than by sharing information on your website.
Are You Ready to Get A Professional website?
Then contact me today for a no obligation discussion of your requirements.
