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Chances are, as a business owner, you are aware that all the big corporations have websites - everyone from IBM to BP. But, have you ever considered why they have a website, what it does for their business, and what it could do for yours?
For many large corporations a website is a way to build an identity for, what otherwise might be, a faceless giant. Their websites build their brand, and focus on their ethics and attributes – they help people to feel at ease with the consumer choices that they make. This is a vital point for small businesses – your website is the face of your business on the Internet, on the Internet, if you don’t have a website you are nobody.
A website can help people get to know you and your small business, couple this with a social media strategy and your business will build reputation and gain trust in the online community. A strong brand identity helps consumers to recognise your products and services, giving them the confidence to choose your business.
In an increasingly technological world a website is no longer an option when it comes to business – it is a necessity. With over 80% of people using search engines as their first port of call when looking for a product or service it seems crazy to invest in a Yellow Pages ad before you have invested in a website.
For less than the cost of a small business card listing in the Yellow Pages, which remember is not the preferred search avenue for 80% of people, your business can have a fully functioning one page website. For the cost of a slightly larger advertisement your business could have a 3 page website or an online shop. Getting your business online doesn’t cost as much as people think, and is the only place to be when it comes to customers searching for products and services.
As well as building an online identity and taking advantages of people searching for your products or services online, having a business website is also quickly becoming an integral part of any marketing campaign.
Marketing campaigns, whether on or off-line, are increasingly expected to have a website address attached to the materials in order for people to be able to find out more about your business, product or service at their own convenience. Not having a website alienates these hesitant customers, giving competitors who have a website the perfect opportunity for a sale.
My final point is relevant to those businesses that sell products, and are looking to expand. Having a business website or an online shop gives a business based anywhere in the world the opportunity to do business with customers around the globe. Why limit your business to the custom around your chimneybreast when you could be reaching those across the country?
The world of technology is moving forward rapidly, and with 80% of people turning to the Internet to search for products and services, can your small business afford to be left behind?
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
