“Why do I need a website?”
Honestly, it shocks me how frequently this question still crops up and it’s 2010.
More often than not, the question comes from a small business owner who, whilst reasonably successful, is probably not a particularly good marketer.
It’s often evident that while I extol the virtues of an online presence, he who posed the question is thinking “this guy is only trying to sell me something I simply don’t need, never have and never will!”
It is really difficult these days to see why any business wouldn’t need some kind of online presence. Every business can benefit from an online presence.
By having a website you will increase your web presence and attract potential clients who would otherwise never hear of you. Generally, businesses, specifically restaurants and bricks-and-mortar shops, neglect the need for a web presence. They simply do not realise the importance of offering information for those who may be unfamiliar with their products or services. This allows the public an effortless way of evaluating their worth to them. A website is a simple and cost effective way of creating customer relationships and a buzz about your product or service.
A professional web page also creates the appearance of a well developed and prosperous business or venture, just as a poorly presented or non-existent website tarnishes a business’s image. Internet presence is not just for web based businesses. For example, for restaurants it provides consumers with a way of assessing your menu, hours, location, directions, how to contact you, as well as décor and facilities. This is also true with any business providing a product or service. A website allows you to have a virtual ‘trumpet’ with which to blow, proclaiming the quality and value of your product or service, all the while branding your product and creating a personal relationship with the customer.
Here are some other reasons to have a website:
Easier to Remember!
Some people can remember telephone numbers really well but most people remember a name or phrase better. A catchy web address is all a potential customer needs to remember to find out more about your business.
Easy to Update!
Your website can give the potential customer as much information as you want. It is current, up to the minute, and you can include pictures, maps, coupons and personal messages. It’s cheaper to update a website than to update a brochure.
Customer Convenience!
A website is for your customer’s convenience. They can explore your website in their own time. They no longer have to drive to your place of business to see what you are talking about. Your store is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Increase Market Area!
You can increase your effective market area. People anywhere in the world, can find your business with a search engine on the Internet, visit your website and become a customer. You are no longer limited to customers within travelling distance.
Stability!
You may move your place of business, change your phone number, or even change your hours, but your web address is always there, your website is always open.
Save Yourself Time!
Do you get a dozen calls asking for stuff you don’t carry? How many times per day do you or a member of your staff answer the phone and give the exact same information, over and over? Do you spend time describing a product on the phone when you could be doing a dozen other things? Direct those calls to the picture and product description on your website. Let your website screen some of those phone calls for you.
Build Loyal Customers!
A satisfied customer can easily check a website to see what’s new and look for sales. Include information on new products and tips on their use. Your customers will come back again and again because you add that personal touch to supporting them.
Millions of Web Surfers!
Did you know that the Internet is attracting more and more consumers every day. In fact, according to Internet World Stats, there are almost 1.1 billion users of which, more than 21 million are down under. If you could move your store front to a location that had a billion or more in walk-by traffic every day, what are the chances you would get more customers?
Cut Costs!
In addition to the money saving previously mentioned in Save Yourself Time, owning your own website ensures you cut costs in other areas too. Publishing your catalogue or brochure online can potentially save you a great deal of time and expense normally associated with the cost of postage, not to mention the printing costs. Consider the cost of conventional advertising such as Yellow Pages listings, an advert in the local press or trade directory and then compare that to having your own site on display 24/7/365 directly into the homes of millions.
Level the playing field!
On the Internet small and large businesses can compete on a more level playing field. A professional website can present a small business with all the flair and impact of larger businesses. Likewise, well established businesses fall ?at on the Internet if the website does not match their status.
And finally, NOBODY USES YELLOW PAGES ANY MORE!
Maybe you have heard that quality websites are expensive and nobody will find them anyway? This is certainly not the case with Bendigo Web Design. We ensure you get your website at an affordable price and that it works effectively for you, reaching your target market. The Internet is one of the most versatile marketing arenas and can, if approached correctly, prove to be a very powerful, yet very cost effective marketing tool.
Talk to us and explore how the Internet could change the way you do business, giving you the clear advantage over your competitors.
