10 GOOD REASONS
WHY YOUR BUSINESS SHOULD BE ONLINE
Having an online presence
has many advantages. Obviously you should have a website if you are looking for
a way to promote your products, services or information. Here are 10 more
reasons why you should consider your own website.
1. Generate Leads
and create highly targeted mailing lists.
People who visit your site are
specifically searching for your products and services. You can target these
visitors by using forms, free quotes and Opt In Email Marketing.
2.
Save Time and Money.
Some businesses receive numerous requests to send
out information on a daily basis, often hundreds per day. The average cost of
fulfilling each request is from 50c to Lm1.00! A web site can reduce the costs
of providing information, such as brochures and catalogues. By making offers or
information readily available to your customers, you can save on the cost of
printing and postage. When customers phone to ask for information, they can be
redirected to your website. This can save you time by allowing your customers
to research your products or services online and has the additional advantage
of strengthening your businesses professional image.
3. A web site
can make small businesses look big.
The Internet has often been called
the greatest equaliser when it comes to businesses. A professionally designed
web site can make your business seem larger or more established than it really
is.
4. Strengthen your businesses image and credibility.
A
professionally designed page will compliment the traditional forms of
advertising your business already has in place. Simply make sure your web
address is on any printed material that leaves your office including brochures,
business cards, fax sheets, invoices, quotes or receipts.
5. Improve
and build stronger customer relations.
Any business can use a website
to build stronger relationships with their customers. Websites can be used to
gather customer feedback, register warranties for products, display menus or
timetables and offer support by way of frequently asked question pages or
technical forms.
6. Low cost advertising 24 hours a day, 365 days
per year.
For most small businesses, having a website provides an
inexpensive form of advertising. In the past it has been difficult for
businesses to let potential customers know all about their services and
products. Advertising in the newspaper, tv, radio or direct mail is expensive
and you are limited with the amount of information you can provide. With a web
site however, there is no limit.
7. Make your business available
even when you are not.
Make Information about your business immediately
available. If your business relies on an answering machine, you may be worried
about potential clients hanging up. Use your message to make customers aware
that information is available about your products or services on your website.
8. Showcase products and services.
Sometimes potential
customers need to see examples of your products or services before making
purchasing decisions. Display photos and testimonials from happy customers on
your website.
9. Gain advantage over your competition.
More
and more people are taking advantage of the Internet to conveniently search for
information about local products and services. Your competition may already
have a website, if so, you could be losing potential customers. Gain advantage
over your competition by allowing these potential clients to find information
about your business and services from the comfort of their own computer.
10. Web sites can make your marketing plans more effective.
Websites can be employed to respond automatically to requests for
information such as documents or files, collect email addresses to be used for
marketing and promotional purposes and easily create and send emails or
newsletters to your mailing list.
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