by Garry Spotts

Created on: August 10, 2009

Why Small Business's Need a Website

The internet has revolutionized the way people gather information of every kind. It is the low cost and effective way of keeping your business accessible to the public. By estimates there are well over 10 Billion online searches conducted every year. The internet is the most frequently used medium when potential customers begin searching for solutions to their problems.

You can't afford to be silent or absent from the only medium in a world that can access and inform more clients, constituents, and potential customers all over the globe with one click!

Does Your Small Business Needs a Website?

The only person who can answer that question is you. But before you answer yes or no, consider the following:

<> A well designed site keeps your business accessible 24 hours each day without you
<> It will answer those time consuming frequently asked questions.
<> It can increase the number of qualified leads by weeding out those who are just curious.
<> A website can be a great prospecting tool for building future business.
<> A website can help shorten the sales cycle because customers are more informed prior to first personal contact.
<> Rapidly publish time-sensitive information
<> Automate the customer feedback process
<> Link to partners and create a community of services
<> Develop income through an E-commerce enabled site

The Value of Your Website

How could you and your customers benefit from accessing information about you via a website? A website is certainly one of the most affordable investments, and used correctly it can be one of your most profitable. Planning your website project is important. Fail to plan your website and you waste valuable time, effort, money and customer relationships.

The single most important principle to keep in mind when commissioning a website is: "Build your website for your customer, the end-user."

Be Truly Ubiquitous

A website puts your business on every corner in town and beyond. While location remains a critical part of succeeding in traditional business; a website can help you reach more people who would not normally have access to your business. A website extends the profit potential of your business to customers beyond its current geography and boundaries.

What having a website says to your customer that you can't say?

Everyone is busy; no one has enough time to do all the things necessary to succeed. Remember the principle stated earlier, "Build your website for your customer, the end-user." According to eMarkerter internet users spend an average of 29 hours online each month. Why you may ask.

The internet has become the single most pervasive "respect my time" medium for customers. The web has empowered customers to have access to information about your product, your service, and most importantly your competition, resulting in smarter shoppers. In many cases your buyer has searched for your product or service online at a time when your business was closed.

If you agree with the last statement, then how will you answer the next question? Can a customer get information about your product or service at 10 p.m.? If not, then you have added to the shopper's frustration equation. Time is precious and people don't want to waste it driving around searching hopelessly for the best price. Your website should offer quality information about your business that empowers the shopper to become a buyer; it must say, "I respect your time!" to your customer.

A well designed and thoroughly equipped site may mean the start of a long and profitable relationship with a new customer.

Learn more about this author, Garry Spotts.
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