Why Your Small Business Needs a Website
Many small businesses do not see a need for a website. They think that they do not need a website because:
- they are a home-based business
- they are under the assumption that websites are expensive, or
- they think that the yellow pages is more effective for generating local business.
Well, truthfully, all businesses can benefit from having a quality website. Millions of people will be searching online for a business like yours. Will they find you there?
There are 10 very important reasons why your small business needs a website. The reasons are:
- Having a website today is comparable to listing your business in the yellow pages or on a business card 10 years ago. Most people will go online to the internet first when searching for a product or service that they need.
- Websites are a key marketing tool. Simply having a web presence introduces your business to the world -- a whole new arena of customers who probably otherwise would never know that you existed.
- For a small business, the internet levels the playing field when it comes to competing with the "Big Boys".
- You can reach your customers on the internet quickly and cost effectively.
- You can sell your products and services online directly to your customers.
- A website is usually cheaper than print media and other advertising mediums.
- Information regarding your company is available to your customers 24 hours a day.
- Your competitors are advertising to millions of people and you need a website to stay competitive.
- The internet is becoming a standard for conducting a business. And not having a website could hurt the way potential customers perceive the credibility of your business.
- You may have a small "mom and pop" business, a printing shop, a Life Coach practice, an outreach ministry, a book that you have written, or a nail / hair salon. But if you do not have a basic web presence on the internet, you are missing out on a huge part of your target market. Don't let fear keep you from stepping out into a world of new customers for your business.
Still not convinced?
Do you still think that just listing your company with an online business service or in the yellow pages is enough? If so, let me share a quick story with you. A while back, I had to travel out of town to Freeport, Illinois with my job. I ended up having to stay over for one weekend and was looking for a church close by that I could attend. As always, I logged on to the yellow pages to see what my options where. I ended up with a long list of places to go. So guess how I decided which church I selected? It was easy. I found the ones that listed their phone number and addresses, but also had a link to their website. I wanted to see a picture of what the church looked like and any more information that I could find regarding the pastor and his or her beliefs. I found the location, hours of the worship service, and even information regarding the projects they were involved with in the community. The few websites gave me all of the information that I needed, and I was able to make an informed decision within a matter of minutes. And all of this happened because this small church invested in putting up a very basic site (nothing fancy).
So believe me when I tell you, most people are just like me when it comes to searching for a product or service that they need. Don't you want to reach potential customers who need what you are offering? Don't miss out by not having a web presence on the internet. If you are interested in learning to build your own website, there are a lot of resources out there that offer assistance. If you are not interested or do not have time to look into it, there are many companies out there that specialize in web design. I wish you all the best with your business.
Written by Michelle of Millennium-Professional Consulting, Inc