Reasons Why Business Websites Are Still Important

With all the hype around Facebook, blogs and Twitter, I often get asked whether a business still needs a website. YES! YES! YES! (seriously) Having a website for your business is even more important now that technologies like Twitter and Facebook make it easier for more people to find you. Here are my reasons why having a website for your business is still vitally important.

 

1. Millions User :  There are approximately 970 millions Internet users, 15% of the world's population. Thus it is a most efficient way to get potential customers from all over the world through internet marketing.

2.  International : Websites have no boundaries as far as place or region or country is concern. It is international. If you have a website, then you have something international that overcomes the limits between countries and continents.

3.  Promote Products : A site permits you to showcase your items for the viewing pleasure of anyone passing by.You can explain the benefits, compare it with other products, or show testimonials of happy customers that already bought the product.

4.  Promote Services : It is hard to showcase services in a store, or office. The web allows you to introduce the service, the professionals providing the service, and how several services can complement each other.

5.  Website Never Rest : Many people surf the web in the evening when most businesses are closed, which is perfectly fine because websites never take a break.  A website will allow your business or organization to be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Having a website is the equivalent of having an employee working around the clock - even weekends and holidays!

6. Website Save Money : By integrating systems and automating certain tasks you may be able to actually save costs. For instance, by integrating your e-commerce website into your inventory and accounting systems. Build extranets to connect with suppliers and clients alike. You can provide downloadable documents on a website rather than mailing them out. The opportunities are endless.

7. Save Your Time : Providing information to your customers takes time, whether it’s on the phone, face-to-face, in a brochure, or in emails. With an online catalogue you can provide lots of information about your products and services. Once your website is up and running, it is available to your customers indefinitely, saving you time. And what is time? Time is money!

8. Improve Branding : Branding is a way to differentiate your product, service or company from its competition, and create loyalty. The content of a website, its style and tools such as newsletters allow for many ways to differentiate yourself, make the visitor feel good about you, and build loyalty. More worrisome: if you do not do this, a competitor may snatch not only your prospects sales, but also their loyalty away from you with their website! Eat, or be eaten!

9. Competitor has a Website : If you are in direct competition with another business that has a website, they have a clear advantage - especially if they are adequately marketing their website.  A website is a great way to level the playing field.

10. JustIt Google : More than ever before, people are turning away traditional means of finding information and looking online, especially by way of mobile devices . Your business should be  at their fingertips when they look in the Search engine.