why your small business needs a website – Its not luxury, its a necessity

Like many small business owners, you may believe your business cannot benefit from having a website or that a website is not within your budget. Or maybe you think because you don’t use a computer, neither do your potential customers. These are misconceptions. These 5 of the many reasons show why your company NEEDS a professional website, no matter what size your business. Many small business owners believe that their business cannot benefit from having a website or that it’s not within their budget. Others it’s because they are not really internet fanatics. Do not be misled, your Company, no matter how small it is needs a website, and it’s pretty cheap these days. Here are 5 reasons why you should have a website for your small business.

1. Gain credibility
These days, more and more consumers search for products and services they need on the net. Your small business is losing those people to your competitors that do have websites.  Having a professional website increases your credibility and adds a professional image which will inspire even greater confidence.

2. Save Money
Most small business owners have the wrong perception that they can’t afford to have a website for their businesses. Although web designing costs vary, once your site is up and running, it can be hosted for as low as 39 Kwacha per month. When you compare this cost to the cost of newpaper ads and the potential market that can be reached, you can see that a website is a very cost effective way to market your products and services.

3.Keep Your customers informed

A website put in simple terms is your online brochure or catalogue. Your customers and prospects can find out what you have to offer at their convenience. It’s much easier, cheaper and quicker to update your information about your new offers, products and services on your site than in print material, you can also provide current information and news from your website.

4. Always Accessible 24/7/365
Imagine having to showcase your products and services to your regular and potential customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year!  With a website that’s possible, you have the comfort of providing them with the inconvenience of retrieving your products and services when your office or store is closed. In today’s Internet dominated market place, this is a great selling point when making a purchasing decision.

5. Improve Customer Service
There is no better of way of providing your customers with value added self-serve-customer service on your website. By including FAQ pages, adding articles or uploading newsletters to answer all the questions your customers might have.

Titbits: 

Now that you know why your business needs a websites, I will give you tips that you can use to promote your site

Promote your website

On its own, your website is completely nothing. I recommend that you advertise and market your website by including its address in all your print promotional material and business stationary like business cards, flyers, signage, delivery notes and invoices. When you attend events or network, always remember to mention your website address to your prospects.

Integrate Social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter with your website

Using social media sites can heavily direct traffic to your site. The inbound links from high profile sites like Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube will greatly increase your search engine page ranking. Having pages on these sites allow you to communicate with your prospects and customers, giving them information about upcoming events, new products and services.

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