With so many fly by night and fraudulent businesses, most customers feel more comfortable with a business they can get to know and can research online through web sites, reviews, and referrals.
Here are 10 more reasons to have a business website
1. Client Expectations
Clients are busy. They expect to be able to gain information on a company quickly and concisely including portfolios, prices, contact information, etc. The Yellow pages or newspapers are bulky and inconvenient. Should they find something in the paper, they will often input the web address in their smartphone for later research.
To many busy professionals, a business that is not on the Internet, for all intents and purposes,simply isn’t legitimate.
2. Time is money
Face it, you are too busy to answer the same questions over and over again. At some point, you have to get work done. If a potential client calls your phone number and only have a voicemail, they will often hang up and call the next person on the list. Telephone tag is just plain unprofessional. A website’s FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) often include the most asked questions and save time for both sides of any transaction.
3. 24/7
Inspiration comes at the oddest hours. A potential client will research your business late on Tuesday night for a Wednesday appointment. Better be prepared. Forms have evolved to include scheduling appointments done right online providing you an opportunity to process more clients with less resources. Your website works for you even while you are sleeping. Changes in information are virtually immediate. With social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Linken, you can imbed their information on your website and vice versa providing you with more opportunities to market your products and skills.
4. Communication
An interactive website can be your best sales professional with a “call to action”. An email form provides them with an opportunity to inquire additional information and provide you with the flexibility to control your time without feeling you are missing out on opportunities for potential clients, employees, and suppliers.
An interactive full color brochure is the best and most cost effective use of your advertising dollars. By posting it online, your sales staff can print from any location as well as your clients.
A video about your product or service providing some educational and entertainement value can also enhance your website’s user experience as well as create a sense of competency and position you as an expert in your field. Your website and video can also be used as a structured sales tool for your staff.
5. Your Online Business Brand
Your online presence can improve and increase your reputation, credibility and build trust with potential clients. Your web site offers an ideal way of showcasing your work and accomplishments to potential clients. It is also a great source of referrals from those browsing the internet and becoming familiar with your brand.
6. Expand Your Boundaries
Your website can help your business expand from a local to a regional client base and beyond providing you with recession proof business opportunities during local downturns.
A not-for-profit organisation with a website can raise awareness and credibility attracting more donors. Distribution of costly printed materials can be virtually eliminated with an online brochure on your website available for download.
7. David or Goliath – size doesn’t matter
On the internet all companies appear on the same computer screen. No matter what your size, a website offers your business the same advantage as your biggest competitors. A website for a single person operation can have the same presence as a multi-national corporation.
8. Cost Effective Marketing
A web site is cost effective. While replacing some of your existing expenses relating to sales, advertising, retailing, customer support and public relations efforts, it makes all these business functions more effective.
Once your initial set up and design expenses have been budgetted, your annual maintenance expenses are minimal. Website publishing is more cost effective than periodical advertising such as newspapers, radio or television.
In addition your website can include features that no printed brochure or newspaper ad can offer, such as video and sound.
9. Selling Secondary Products
Your website can pay for itself by generating revenue through the sale of advertising space and additional affiliate products that complement your business 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
10. Work from home
Your clients can’t tell if you work from home or not with a virtual office and a mobile number. You can outsource your work to permit you to take time off whenever you need it, yet not lose your customer base. Your virtual office can help you keep track of your business and employees.
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