Like many small business owners, you believe that your business cannot benefit from a website or that a website is not within your budget. Or do you think that if you don't use a computer, then neither will potential customers. These are delusions. These 8 reasons show why your company needs a professional website, regardless of the size of your business.

YOUR COMPANY 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 visiting the website. Without it, potential customers will go to your competitors. If you already have a website, but it is "home-made", a professional redesign will give your business a professional image that will inspire even more confidence. For home-based businesses, this is especially beneficial because you don't have a storefront to promote your products or services.

WEBSITE SAVES MONEY

As a small business owner you probably think you can't afford a professional website, but you can't NOT afford it. Although website design costs vary, once it's up and running, a small business website usually costs under $350/year, and in some cases, less than $200/year. Compared to newspaper ads, when you consider the potential market you can reach with a website, it is a very cost-effective way to promote your business.

THE WEBSITE WILL ALLOW YOU TO INFORM YOUR CUSTOMERS

Think of your website as your online brochure or catalog. It is much easier and faster to update information about your products and services on your website than on printed material, which makes it an efficient way to inform your customers about the arrival of new products, upcoming events, special promotions or all the new services that you now offer. Unlike print ads that quickly become outdated, your website can provide current information and news.

THE WEBSITE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

The website is available to both your regular and potential customers 24/7/365 giving them the convenience of browsing your products and services when your store or office is closed. With today's busy lifestyle, this is a great selling point when making a purchasing decision.

THE WEBSITE MAY AIM AT A GLOBAL MARKET

Whether you provide products or services, your website will provide an alternative place to sell them. As a seller, a website (eCommerce) is a great place to sell your products to a wider market; even services can be available globally. Don't think you'll be able to sell your products or services online? Don't forget, even cars and houses are sold online!

THE WEBSITE ALLOWS YOU TO PRESENT YOUR WORK TO THE CUSTOMER

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 of your work, you can show what makes your business unique.

WEBSITE SAVES TIME

Providing information to your clients takes time, whether it's over the phone, face-to-face, in a brochure or via email. With an online catalog, you can provide a lot of information about your products and services. Once your website is live, it will be available to users indefinitely, saving you time. And how much does time cost? Time is money!

THE WEBSITE IMPROVES CUSTOMER SERVICE

Maybe you sell eco-friendly products and want to share tips on how to recycle, or you're an accountant and want to give your clients advice on how to streamline their bookkeeping practices. By including a FAQ page, adding articles, or uploading newsletters to answer all of your customers' questions, you can keep them updated. What better way to provide a value-added service than to share information on your web.