Design

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A lot of small businesses are convinced that a word-of-mounth advertising is the best way to do their marketing. They are right, but why should you restrict your possibilities to this off-line marketing strategy when you can do so much more online for your business?

Nowadays business strategy is that you have to be visible online! These are seven main reasons why you business should have a website:

1. Marketing

There is no doubt that a web presence is a great way to compliment your existing marketing plan. You can use your site to inform both of your existing and potential customers about your business’s services and it makes word-of-mouth advertising a lot easier.

2. Customers expect it

In nowadays’s business world, the Internet is the fastest growing source for information. Without a web presence, your business risks never being found by your potential customers.

3. 24/7 Access

Having a website can help broaden the scope of your business. Customers shop and compare prices now more than ever before and the Internet offers a powerful and efficient way to do so. If your competition is online, you should be there as well. Your customers can go online 24/7 to get answers and information about your business, even if your business is closed for the day.

4. Increased Sales

Your customers want to know your business company is legitimate and runs a reputable business. A well designed website lends legitimacy to your business and leads to increased sales.

5. Interact with customers

Your best customers are referred and existing customers. There is no better way to keep customers coming back than keeping in touch with them. Through your website you can interact with customers through online newsletters, polls, surveys, social media, chat rooms and special deals. When you keep in contact it shows your customers that you care, which is one of the best ways to keep them coming back.

6. Survey your audience

The web is two-way, quick and interactive marketing communication. When a visitor comes to your website they want to know about your products, services or information. How can you find out exactly what they are looking for? To get a handle on your potential customer base you can set up a survey to figure out exactly what visitors are interested in. By finding out what they are looking for you can also learn what new trends are on the horizon or features you need to add.

7. Leadership

Businesses that embrace an online strategy will quickly find themselves in a leadership position because of their increased exposure in the global marketplace. Businesses that ignore the web run the risk of having their existing competitors and emerging “dot coms” exploit the web to their advantage.

Do you have anything to add about having a website for your business? Share it with us in the comment section below. Thank you.