Why Do I Need a Website?
Here at Tech Lizard Web Design and IT we're often asked which businesses need websites and which businesses don't. The answer is, EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS A WEBSITE! In this article we will explore some of the reasons your business needs a presence on the web.
#1 Credibility
Here's a funny sounding question: "Have you ever Googled yourself?" Go ahead, try it we'll wait for you here.
Finding nothing about yourself or your business on search engines can be good or bad depending on your perspective. On one hand, finding your business name listed like a phone book entry, perhaps accompanied by a map is great, but if people are looking for you online and this is all they're finding, you're missing out on an opportunity to turn a curious internet browser into a customer! On the other hand, if the search engine returns no results, your business is missing out on a lot more.
It's no secret that today's hectic lifestyles have shortened our attention spans. The internet gives us what we want, when we want it and that is why it's so popular. Think about the way you use the internet. Your customers and potential customers are using the internet the same way. If your business has no presence online, to some it may as well not even exist.
#2 Marketing 24/7
The internet has become the primary source of information for young and old alike. Many will turn to their computers to look for information before opening a phone book, heading to a library or reaching for those ads that came in the mail. The internet never sleeps, it's never closed, and it offers your business an opportunity to deliver your message beyond your normal business hours, when most of us are doing their research.
Your website provides information and answers questions for customers and potential customers at their convenience. People are most comfortable when they know what to expect. A website offers your customers a chance to preview your business, whether it's services offered, product lines, established processes, business practices or hours of operation. It also positions your business as a competitor in your marketplace. Whether your focus is local or international, your website is there to compel your customers to reach out to do business with you.
#3 Controlling Your Reputation
We've established that people use the internet for research, but what does the internet have to say about you and your business? We're all hoping for positive feedback, happy customers and to be viewed as reputable. The internet is packed full of websites for people to express their opinions, report their experiences and to provide "word of mouth" content. Your business may already have an internet presence on a site outside of your control, and that information could be positive or negative. Adding a professional website to the information available about you on the web is a good start in managing that information and it's impact. Your website can help to draw visitors to the positive information and, if necessary, distract them from the negative.
#4 Doing Business Online
Some businesses offer products and services that can be acquired anytime by anyone. Using the internet to provide 24 hour access to these products and services just makes sense. Why not keep selling while your physical store is closed? Why not offer your products to customers outside of your local reach? From eCommerce websites to subscription based websites, the internet is the perfect place to expand your customer base.
In Conclusion
Word of mouth is a great means of reaching new customers. In addition to referrals from satisfied clients, trusted friends and family, today's customer uses the internet as a tool for researching the best prices, availability of services, convenience and locality, as well as to collect reviews and opinions. You can use the internet to promote your business and increase your reach. You have the opportunity to reach more customers online, why not take it?
- This article was written by Michele Gilhouse of Tech Lizard Web Design and IT.