Absolutely, positively, yes! At the very least, you need to have a small business website so that customers, prospects, local businesses and organizations can quickly and easily find out more about you. It’s time to pull the gloves off, roll up your sleeves and ensure your business has a strong online presence. Even a sole proprietor working from home can’t ignore the benefits of a website any longer — even if you’re nervous about starting a website.
To Put Things Into Perspective, Think About It This Way…
What if you didn’t own a telephone? It’s a rather outrageous idea, but in all seriousness, what if you didn’t have a phone or cell phone? How would that impact your small business? Would your customers look at you differently? Would they think less of you for making their lives a nightmare—just to do business with you?
You’re darn right they would! And all silliness aside, the same can be said about not having a website for your small business.
But, I’m Doing Just Fine—Why Do I Need A Website?
Your business has done well over the years without a website. You’re continuing to grow at a comfortable rate. Your customers are happy and you’re happy. Why should you invest in a website?
Sadly, you’re failing to see past today. The train has already left the station—and you’re being left behind!
Internet usage continues to steam ahead, and people from all walks of life use the internet daily. In fact, a recent study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project found that a staggering 73% of Americans are online. That’s over 147 million adults! It’s becoming painfully clear to many small businesses just how important of a marketing tool a small business website is.
And even more importantly, the study revealed that 60 million Americans routinely use the internet to research products and services before making a purchase. So if you think customers aren’t looking for your website (Who’s Visiting Your Small Business Website), or aren’t shocked to learn that you don’t have a website—you’re dead wrong!
Customers Expect To Find Your Business Online
You may be comfortable without a website for your business, but the opposite is rapidly becoming a reality for your customers. They’ve already adopted the web as a standard for conducting business with everyone and anyone. They expect you to have a website. And in most cases, you simply aren’t “real” to them if your business isn’t online.
The longer you shrug off putting up a website, the harder you’re going to have to run—just to catch up! You face the real possibility of dooming yourself to future failure.
Websites Are Proven Stimulants For Small Business Growth
Respected media research firm AC Nielson recently reported: small businesses that effectively used the internet to promote their products and services saw a stunning 51% jump in profits. And a whopping 58% of businesses reported increased growth and expansion because of the web. Proving that in today’s information-based economy, the web is a potent marketing tool and the benefits of a website are staggering.
Even if you don’t sell products directly from your website, you can’t afford to be left in the dark any longer. From kicking up new business and cutting costs, to reaching niche markets and branding your company’s image—a website can have an enormous and immediate impact on your bottom line. And if you already have a small business website, is it time for a website redesign?
Cat got your tongue? Tell us what you think about this article discussing the reasons why you need a small business website. Ask a question. Help us start a discussion. We’d love to hear from you! Thank you for reading!
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