Still not convinced a web site would benefit your small
business? Here are 7 reasons to start building your internet
presence.
1. Plenty of space
It can be hard to choose what to say in your limited-space print
ads. One benefit of having a web site is that you have enough
space to market all your services, announce events, display
product photos, show maps and directions, list staff education
and credentials, post client testimonials and industry
awards--anything you feel will help potential customers make an
informed decision.
2. Available 24/7
Another web site advantage is that it's available even when your
business is closed or no one is available to answer your phone.
You can encourage callers who've missed you to visit your web
site for more information while they wait for your return
call.
3. Easy to update
Printed material, while still very necessary, can be expensive
and troublesome to keep updated. With a web site you can easily
let the public know of changes to your hours of operation,
product or service offerings, business address or phone number,
staff, etc.
4. Adds credibility
One of the best benefits of a having a web site: a
well-thought-out, professionally designed web site can add
credibility to your small business--no matter how young or small
your business is. A web site can also convey a sense of
stability--especially important if your small business operates
without a storefront; potential customers will feel reassured
that they could contact you if they lost your information.
5. Great word-of-mouth marketing
Another great reason for a web site (that is often overlooked!)
is that's it's easy for someone to share your web site address
with a friend in an email, a phone conversation or a meeting
where none of your brochures or business cards are available.
6. Adds value
Your web site can become a valuable resource to potential and
current customers. Post information on how to care for products
you sell, referrals to related services, interesting facts,
how-to's, tips, trends, mistakes to avoid or a glossary of
industry terms.
7. Stay ahead of or keep up with competition
People use the internet to research everything from furniture to
limousine service to preschools. If your competitor has a web
site listed in their print ad and you don't, those online savvy
people may check out your competitor's offerings first. That's
especially true if you advertise in online "Yellow-Page"-style
directories and don't have a web site. Hello! Your target
customer is already online! If your competitor is just a click
away, who do you think will get the first opportunity to serve
that customer?
About the author:
Keita Del Valle is the owner of Crafty Pixel, a
Southern California web design
company located in Corona, CA. For more web site design
news, articles and the Hollaback blog, visit
www.craftypixel.com.
