I am a child of the internet, I run homes in two countries via the internet, I do business on it and I socialise on it. These days, if I can't do something online I probably can't be bothered to do it at all - this is also because I am lazy and antisocial but you get the picture.
Even so, up to five years ago, when people asked me "Have I got to have a website?" I used to think about it, and weigh up the pro's and con's. Now I don't. You need a website, that's it, end of.
Even if you are a small company and you think you sell something that won't be bought online build a website and work it because very, very soon if you don't have a website you will cease to exist.
You may think it's too much trouble, an un-necessary expense, a pain to maintain and another drain on your time but it has to be done and here is why:-
- Showcase - your website is now your face to the world. Even if you have lovely business premises or a fabulous shop or even if you just work out of your attic your public face is your website. The internet is increasingly the first choice for people when they look for a service or a product and so your website becomes your place to make a first impression.
- Collecting people - a website has to work for you, and it can. Whilst it is your face to the world it is also where you collect customers. All websites should contain a way to collect email addresses and contact details so you can build a database of potential clients. A newsletter requiring an email address to be entered is a good way, as are occasional special offers and access to additional content and features.
- Informing old customers - in addition to collecting new customer's websites should inform and value old customers. Don't let your hard won customers be enticed elsewhere by the competition, keep them informed on your website and thank them for their participation in your business.
- It will be done online - eventually! - you may think that what you sell or the service you provide is not web friendly and no one would buy it online. Frankly everything is now bought and sold online and as soon as you go online your potential market is worldwide. It really is a big world and there will be someone, somewhere, wanting to access that product you thought had fulfilled its market potential with your current customer base.
- Allows you to compete with the big boys - you probably can't throw mega bucks at an advertising campaign or sign up Victoria Beckham to simper provocatively over your product but unique, funny, innovative web content can rock the world and boost you into the big league.
There is only one reason not to have a website - and that is if your current website is so rubbish it makes you look like a rank amateur and drives people away from your business! Take it down and pay to get a better one.
About this Author
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