The benefits of having a website designed and submitted to the internet depend on the nature of your business; and to the extent of which you choose to utilize the technology available to you. The degree of technology you decide to use often depends on a number of factors, the main one being budget restraints. However when setting a budget for web design it is worth noting that the internet is fast becoming the main channel for advertising and promoting your business to potential clients anywhere in the world on a 24/7. This means you should aim to make or have designed for you the best possible website to showcase your business products and services. It is worthwhile remembering that internet shoppers are not dissimilar to that of high street shoppers, if they like the product in the window they will venture into the store. In essence your website is your shop window, so it is important to have the most attractive and easy to use site you can possibly have.
As I have mentioned, a website gives you an online business presence 24/7. All a consumer needs is your websites address, whether they find that from a business card, an advert, letterhead, email or found from a search engine. Your website provides a cost effective and convenient means of keeping in touch with your existing client base and keeping them informed of developments within your business, this helps to promote company branding and customer loyalty. A website will maximize your marketing investment, by leveraging this versatile and dynamic marketing channel which is the internet.
There are three main points your website will help you cover;
Creativity
Your website allows you to be more creative in how you present your information/products and /or services when compared with printed material.
Point of Contact
Your site is always live. If a potential client has heard about you but can’t find your business card, they may turn to the Internet to try and locate your contact information or to learn more about you and what you do. If your site is ecommerce enabled, your products are ready and waiting to be sold.
Expansion
Your website opens the door to a larger market of prospective clients. Even if your service or product is normally only performed locally, there is always the potential to expand. And, you are more likely to increase your local client base if your website is available for them to research your service.
Compete
If you are a relatively small company, your site becomes your virtual shop window enabling you to compete on much more equal terms with much larger organizations.
Many people use the Internet to find out more information about products or services that they are in need of. Your website is a means of offering information to those who may be researching online before buying. If you don’t have a website, how are they going to even get a chance to see what you have to offer?
The Internet is a powerful way of developing lasting sales opportunities for your business. Opportunities you didn’t think possible or could afford with the usual forms of advertising. Your website will provide your business with the ability to reach thousands of potential customers through this increasingly dominant marketing channel. With more and more people switching online every day, the exposure your business receives with a website is far greater than with conventional forms of advertising.
If you wish to be competitive in your market place and are asking the question ‘do I need a website?’ you are already behind the competition. The question is no longer should I? A website is a must. With your own website your business will become a member global marketing medium, your website will showcase your online business, it will provide you with a professional image, it can make a small business appear large and increase awareness of your businesses products and services.