Like many small business owners, you may believe your business doesn't need to have 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. But really, does your business really need a website? Does a website create any value for your small business?
Well, here are our thoughts on why you NEED a professional website, no matter the size of your business.
1. YOUR 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 storefront 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, compared with the cost of a newspaper ad, a website is much cheaper. Now if 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 site as being your online brochure or catalog. 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 Unlike print ads which quickly become outdated, your website can provide current information and news.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, 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.
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 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 you know what they say about time? Time is money!
8. IT IMPROVES CUSTOMER SERVICE
Maybe you sell electronics and would like to share tips on how to increase the lifetime of the devices, or perhaps you run a print shop and want to give your clients advice on how to prepare their designs for printing. 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 site.
So does your business really need a website? We believe it does.
Get a jump start on your business efforts with a professionally designed website.