Why Having a Website is Important to Your Business
Surprisingly, it is not uncommon for many small business owners to think that their business cannot benefit from having a website or that a website is not within their budget. Some even still believe that just because they are not computer savvy, neither are their potential customers. These are incredible misconceptions and in this article, Forward Web discusses why having a website is indeed important to your business.
Let’s explore the following points:
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A Website Saves You Time
Without a doubt, we all know that time is money and whether it’s face-to-face, emails, brochures, flyers or on the phone, providing information to your customers is invaluable but takes time. However, with your website up and running, you can incorporate the use of an online catalog and provide your clients and potential clients a ton of information about your products and services (which is available indefinitely).
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A Website Saves You Money
In addition to saving time, a website allows you to save money as well! It is unbelievable how many times we hear business owners express that they cannot afford a professional website, when in fact the reality is that as a business owner, you can’t afford NOT to. Of course the cost of designing a website varies (make sure to find about the great offers Forward Web has available), but it is a valuable investment. Consider the potential market you can reach with a website, compared to the cost of a newspaper ad, it is a very cost effective way to promote your business!
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Your Business Will Gain Credibility
Nowadays, it is very common for customers to use the internet to search for the products or services they need and with that in mind, it is a fact that your business will immediately gain credibility by having a professional website. We are living in a time with a very competitive market and without a website, potential customers will go to your competitors that do. If you currently have a website but it is outdated or perhaps home-made, having it professionally re-designed will provide your business with a professional look which will inspire even greater confidence. This is especially beneficial if you have a home-based business which doesn’t have a store front to promote your products or services.
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A Website Provides A Medium on Which to Showcase Your Work
This brings us to our next point; regardless of what type of business you have, a website is a great way to showcase your work. You can demonstrate what makes your business unique by incorporating an image gallery, a portfolio and testimonials/reviews about your work on your website. This goes a long way!
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A Website Improves Customer Service
A website allows you to provide your customers with a plethora of information and depending on your business’s industry, that may include tips, advice or detailed information about a specific topic directly related to your business. By including blogs, uploading newsletters, adding articles (such as this one) or even including a FAQ page to answer all your customers’ questions, you can keep them up-to-date. Sharing information on your website that suits your customers’ needs is the best way to provide them with value added service and what better way to do so than with an effective website!
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A Website Enables You to Keep Your Customers Informed
A website is one of the most invaluable tools to provide information and we simply cannot emphasize enough how imperative that is to the success of your business. Consider your website as an online brochure or catalog; it is much easier and effective to update information about your products and services, let customers know about new products, upcoming events, special promotions or new services you offer on a website versus printed material.
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A Website Makes it Possible to Target a Wider Market
Everything sells online! From cars and houses to services and a variety of products. The internet is a an amazing tool that can be used to your advantage. For example, as a retailer, an eCommerce website is a great place to sell your products to a wider market. But regardless of whether you provide products or services, a website will provide an alternative location to sell them (even services can be made available worldwide!).
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A Website is Always Accessible
With today’s busy lifestyles, we all seek convenience and there is nothing more convenient than to have access to a website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Having your website available to both your customers and potential customers is a great selling point when making a purchasing decision because it allows them to review your products and services when your store or office is closed, facilitating their decision process.
It is very clear that having a professional and effective website provides many benefits and is of the utmost importance to your business. If you are having a difficult time setting up your website, do not have the time or you would like help improving the website you or someone else developed contact us. Forward Web wants to improve your website and are always available to discuss any questions and/or thoughts you might have about the development of your website.
