Why Do I Need a Website?

Did you know that 71% of Internet users go online to research products and services for their local area rather than using a local directory, yellow pages or phone book? What are the reasons people prefer to look online?

Convenience: They can learn about your
services, view your portfolio and buy your
products, even when you're closed!

Availability of Information: A website provides more information than the yellow pages, with interactive content, product details and pictures.

No Sales Pressure: (plus it's OK to wear your jammies to a website)

Top Ten Reasons Your Business Needs A Website:

1. Your Business is Open to the World 24/7, 365 Days a Year.

Like the best employee you have ever had, your site is out there marketing and selling for you all day, all night, every day, and never takes a vacation or a sick day!

2. It’s Your Online Brochure / Catalog That Can Be Changed at Anytime.

A website is easier, cheaper and quicker to update than print material. Its’ capacities are almost limitless which allow you to provide users with more comprehensive information.

3. Reach New Markets with a Global Audience.

With a website, your business now has the potential of being seen across the world.

4. Improved Customer Service.

Customers will often check your website to find out your business hours, policies, products or services you offer, etc. before they visit or call you.

5. Present a Professional Image.

For a small business, a well-designed web site is a great way of instilling confidence. In this day in age, customers assume that you already have a website. By now, your primary competitors probably already have a presence on the Internet.

6. Sell Your Products.

Selling in cyberspace is a good way to supplement your offline business. You don’t have to wait for customers to walk through the door, they are shopping from the convenience of their homes.

7. Promote Your Services.

Lawyers, doctors, financial consultants, entertainers, realtors and all service oriented businesses should let customers know that they have a choice. Millions of users are referring to the web and are using company’s websites to make major decisions when they need a specialized service.


8. Gather Information and Generate Valuable Leads.

You can gather information about your customers and potential customers by using forms and surveys. This is a great tool for prospecting targeted customers looking to use your products and services.

9. Provides Instant Gratification.

People are busy and don’t like to wait for information. Give them what they want, when they want it. They can instantly download your brochure, make a purchase, or make an appointment.

10. Great Recruiting Tool.

Whether you are looking for talent or posting job opportunities with your company, your website is a great recruiting tool for building your business.

So, should your business have a website, even if your business is small and sells products or services you don’t think can be sold online? Yes, if you have a
business, you should have a website. No Question. Without a doubt.

There is very little that can not be sold over the
internet. More than 120 million Americans are online.
Whether you are a one-person small business or freelancer or a corporate giant; if you don’t have a website, you’re losing business to other companies that do.

That said, it is not enough that you just have a website. You must have a professional site to be taken seriously. Your site may be the first chance you have at making a good impression. It must be well designed.

Next issue we’ll look at what a well designed website should and should not include.

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