Simple. You’re in business to make money — and to make it, you can’t waste it. A Web site is the world’s most effective use of money to purchase media in order to market to the masses. The Internet functions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no labor costs, and has the most inexpensive and widespread marketing capabilities ever seen — period.
Through this highly affordable media, your Web site offers your services to the world. Statistics show that the Internet is an excellent way to market your business and sell your products and services. More and more customers are logging on, making purchases, buying services and researching choices and information through the Internet. Why should you limit your business to your immediate locale when the nation and the whole world is a keystroke away?
Here are eight reasons for why you need a Web site:
REASON #1: A Web site increases your credibility.
For a small to medium sized business, a Web site is a great way of building consumer confidence and looking bigger than you really are. Much like your business cards, stationery and other promotional material, your Web site has a significant impact on how you and your business are perceived. Web sites that are easy to use, are well-designed, and have well written compelling content have a positive effect on visit or impressions, and your credibility as a business.
REASON #2: A Web site increases your visibility.
There are millions people with access to the World Wide Web. Some of these people will be looking for what you have to offer. They may be located down the street or half way across the country. With a Web site you open your business up to a whole new world of possibilities. The best part is that unlike your company’s office that may be open from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday, you Web site is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year… in any time zone, making your business accessible to anyone, anywhere.
REASON #3: A Web site can help you build trust with existing and potential customers.
Trust is a big, big factor in business. People are more likely to buy from you if they trust you. With a Web site you can easily communicate your goals, testimonials, vision, and company history or just about anything else you feel will build trust with your visitors. Take a look around the Internet or just think about the online businesses you trust. Trust is a major selling point. It not only can help drive sales, but it creates a first-class and, most importantly, lasting relationship with customers.
REASON #4: A Web site can increase your local business.
While you have the potential to be seen by millions of people all over the world, one of the largest untapped opportunities on the Internet is local markets. Why you ask? It’s because they want to find the information in as few clicks as possible.
REASON #5: A Web site makes it easy for you to receive referrals.
If you are spending time building good rapport with your customers, you will get referrals. And let’s face it… everyone loves referrals. Referrals are great because they have already been presold on how great your company is by someone they trust. Having a web site will make it easier to encourage your customers to make referrals. With a brochure your customer has to have a copy handy to give to an interested prospect. A Web site is accessible anywhere, anytime.
REASON #6: A Web site is a cost effective sales tool.
Why build a site if you don’t use it to promote your products and services? Web sites offer one of the lowest cost sales channels available, and a great way to supplement your offline business. You need to let people know they have a choice, and explain why YOU are that choice. Millions of people are using the Web to make major decisions when they need products and services. Combining a well designed, easy to navigate site with effective gripping content will compel people to buy. They can’t buy from you if you aren’t even there!
REASON #7: A Web site enhances ALL of your marketing efforts.
Like most business you probably spend money on marketing (business cards, stationary, brochures, print ads and flyers). Adding your Web site address to current marketing literature can increase the effectiveness of your advertising ten-fold. A Web address gives people the ability to take action on your offer or product, and can be a reminder of who you are and why they need your product or service. It also advertises your Web site to new customers without having to wait for a salesperson to call or visit them.
REASON #8: A Web site is a great prospecting tool.
In addition to acting as a sales and marketing tool, your Web site is also a good way to gather and track prospect information. If someone comes to your Web site once, there is no guarantee they will come back. You need to be able to capture who they are by using forms and surveys on your Web site. Rather than going out and getting leads, let them come to you. Follow-up with special offers, newsletters and special tips to build a pool of leads to whom you can sell.
So there you have it… eight reasons why you really need to be thinking about a Web site for your company. In today’s business environment it is truly a critical tool to have in your marketing arsenal.