January 11, 2012 in Blog by admin

Why do I need a Website

Not sure why you need a web site?

Many Small Business owners ask us whether or not it is beneficial for them to have a website. Of course, as a Web Design company, we feel it is beneficial for all businesses to have an online presence at least, regardless of the size; but we have to back that up with “why you should have a website” as well; otherwise our advice wouldn’t be impartial.

There are lots of reasons why your business should have a website, but for now, we’ve listed some key ones here.

The following seven web site advantages will tell you why web sites are important to small businesses.

1. Plenty of space

If you’re printing ads or leaflets, it can be hard to choose what to say in the limited space. By having a web site on the other hand, you have enough space to market all your services, announce your events and any offers, display product photos, show maps and directions, list staff education and credentials, post client testimonials and industry awards—anything that might help a potential customer make an informed decision to buy your product or service.

2. Available 24/7

Another advantage of having a web site 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; as well as potentially continuing to make sales while your business is closed.

3. Easy to update

Although printed material may still be very necessary, it can often be expensive and troublesome to keep updated. With a website you can easily let the public know of any changes to your opening hours, product or service offerings, business address or phone number, staff, any offers and/or sales etc.

4. Adds credibility

One of the best benefits of a having a web site is that if it is a well-thought-out, professionally designed website, it can add credibility to your small business—regardless of 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, as it reassures potential customers that they can contact you if they ever lose your information.

5. Great word-of-mouth marketing

Another benefit of having a web site (one 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 text message, 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 both potential and current customers. It allows you to 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; which effectively becomes a ‘resource point’ and gives your business a positive image.

7. Keep up with competition, or even surpass it

People use the internet to research everything from furniture to limousine service to preschools.

If your competitor has a web site listed in their ads and leaflets, 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 business directories (like BestYorkshire.Co) and don’t have a web site.

Think about it – 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?

Given the rise in use of Smartphones, and the internet being available in peoples’ pockets in today’s fast paced society, it’s almost vital for every business to be on the internet if they are to compete.

That’s it for now on the benefits of having a website, but do bookmark this page – we’ll be sharing more website benefits in our web design blog.