Like many small business owners, you may believe that your business can’t benefit from a website or that a website isn’t within your budget. Or you may think that because you don’t use a computer, your potential customers won’t either. These are misconceptions. These 8 reasons show why your business needs a professional website, regardless of the size of your business.
YOUR BUSINESS WILL GAIN CREDIBILITY
Today, more and more consumers are using the Internet to search for the products or services they need. Your small business will gain credibility by visiting a website. Without it, potential customers will go to your competitors. If you already have a website, but it’s “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.
A WEBSITE SAVES MONEY
As a small business owner, you probably think you can’t afford a professional website, but you can’t NOT afford one. 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 you offer. Unlike print ads that quickly become outdated, your website can provide current information and news.
A WEBSITE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE
A 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 lifestyles, this is a great selling point when making a purchasing decision.
A WEBSITE CAN TARGET 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!
A WEBSITE ALLOWS YOU TO PRESENT YOUR WORK TO THE BUYER
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 show what makes your business unique.
A WEBSITE SAVES TIME
Providing information to your customers takes time, whether it’s over the phone, in person, in a brochure, or via email. With an online catalog, you can provide a wealth of information about your products and services. Once your website is up and running, it will be available to your customers indefinitely, saving you time. And how much does time cost? Time is money!
A WEBSITE IMPROVES CUSTOMER SERVICE
Perhaps you sell eco-friendly products and want to share tips on how to recycle, or you’re an accountant and want to give your customers advice on how to streamline their bookkeeping practices. By including an FAQ page, adding articles, or hosting a newsletter to answer all of your customers’ questions, you can keep them up to date. What better way to provide value-added service than by sharing information on your website