The simple answer is: Because your customers and clients expect you to have one! In an economy where print media is going down and more businesses are focusing their marketing efforts on the Internet, having a website has become as important as (if not more so than) having a phone. The better question would be; Why wouldn’t you have a website?
A website enables your business to remain open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It reaches out to prospective customers/clients who are actually trying to reach your business. You site should educate, inform, attract new business, and even generate revenue while you sleep.
As you know, the Web is not just a marketing tool — it’s a business tooll. While it’s perfectly okay to have an “Internet Billboard” that simply contains contact information, with the basic “Home,” “About Us” and “Contact” page, why settle for that when your site can do so much more? Even the smallest business can utilize the power of the Internet to be more efficient, and to build revenue. And with all the new technologies being used on websites (such as the Video Spokesperson), it’s easy to get excited about the potential for your site.
A few of the advantages of having your business online are:
- Your business is now open to the World 24/7, 365 days a year.
- The ability to reach new markets.
- Improved customer service; By providing answers to questions, or sales information requests that can be processed automatically and immediately, whether someone is in the office or not.
- It’s your online brochure/catalog, and can be changed anytime without having to redesign print material and then place an order for print. That can equate to large savings. A well-designed website is a great way of instilling confidence with your potential new customers/clients.
- Promote your services. Lawyers, doctors, consultants, entertainers, realtors, and all service orientated businesses should let customers know they have a choice.
One of the best reasons to have your business online: Your Website provides instant gratification! With so many hand-held devices (such as the iPhone), people are now able to shop online anytime, anywhere, for anything! We have become a society with a 30-second attention span — people want information easily available. If possible, offer free samples, or put your brochures, videos, music, and more on your Website.
