10 Reasons You May Need a Website
Launching a web presence for the right reasons
If we listened to the hype, we’d all
be wearing Air Jordans and Levis – unmentionables tucked away
in our Calvin Kleins – calling everyone on our cell phone
about our brand new, state-of-the-art website. Forget the sales
pitch. You don’t need a website because everyone else has one, because
the media says your unconnected without one, or because some software
giant tries to convince you that you’re getting left behind.
Plenty of companies don’t need a website. In thinking
about yours, you need only ask one question: Will an online presence
enhance my business? Here are some points that may help you answer
that question.
1. A website can help promote your business
Your website is working for you all day, every day, all over the
planet. And if your web designer has done his job, good
search engine rankings will be pulling in traffic from
places that, previously, you could have only fantasized about reaching.
After all, who but the richest and biggest of companies can afford
a worldwide advertising campaign?
The Internet makes reaching new customers and expanding
into global markets feasible.
2. A website can put clients at ease
Doesn’t the overly helpful, commission-eager salesperson pacing
the floor drive you crazy?
With a website, customers can look around privately
and anonymously without fearing they’re taking up too much time
or asking stupid questions. They’ll be more at ease knowing that
no sales clerk is hovering, ready to pounce.
The Internet gives people across the world –
or right in your neighbourhood – an opportunity learn about
you, your products and services, and at a pace that’s comfortable
for them. When they’re ready, they can click the “buy
now” button or visit your
store.
3. A web page is a virtual showcase
Cyber real estate is more economical than your bricks-and-mortar
store or business. So, a website allows you to display all
of your products – nothing’s hidden away in a storeroom because
of limited floor space.
Your website can suggest how people may use your
products and services, and it won’t be seen as a “hard”
sell. Potential customers can actually learn more about your goods
from your website than a salesperson could ever tell them. And how
many sales representatives would you need to do the job that a website
could?
4. Improved service to clients
I use the Internet all the time to check my favourite bookstores
for stock (and price) before I head off to buy it from the bricks-and-mortar
store. If one doesn’t have the book I want, then it’s a half hour
walk to the other store. Searching both stores online helps me eliminate
wasted travelling time and zero in on the best price.
Your website can give customers information that
they would otherwise have to obtain by phoning or visiting your
store. How many calls a day do you get for directions or for your
address? By eliminating these repetitive and simple questions, you
can move on to other things, and your customers will appreciate
that you made their lives a little easier.
And an online presence gives your clients another
way of contacting you and resolving their problems or concerns.
That’s good customer service.
5. Do your competitors have a website?
We’re not talking about “keeping
up with the Joneses” or playing
“my site is better than yours.”
But, if your competitors are already online, they are expanding
into markets that you just can’t reach.
If you wait too long, your competitors might jump
too far ahead of you. It might be financially impossible for you
to launch a website that could compete with theirs.
6. Savings in print and advertising costs
Printing brochures, newsletters, catalogues, and instruction manuals
is expensive. Your website makes it possible to eliminate some of
your print costs, replacing it with e-mail and website content.
And how much of your printed material goes straight
into the garbage? That’s a waste of your resources – and the
planet’s. A website is an online brochure just waiting to be read
anywhere, anytime – with no national or worldwide advertising
campaigns to launch.
7. Enhanced marketing
The web can enhance your current marketing and advertising strategies.
Imagine the size of the telephone call center supporting your national
television ad campaign. You’d need hundreds, maybe thousands, of
people manning the lines. With a website, open up the bandwidth
and let the customers in. No busy signals, no sales representatives
rushed off their feet. That sounds like better customer service.
Your website can be used to qualify sales leads,
collect marketing and contact information, and any number of other
things. You can even establish an affiliate program, letting other
websites sell your products, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves
here, so let’s get that website up first.
8. Corporate image
Just a few years ago, a website was a status symbol that showed
you were on the cutting edge – successful. Today, it’s becoming
a must-have, and people almost look puzzled if you say you aren’t
on the Internet.
9. Speed, speed, speed
We’re a fast-paced, always-connected, instant gratification world
– no one wants to wait for anything and we’re all too busy.
Ordering online saves me time and allows me to continue working
while the products I’ve ordered are making their way to my home.
10. Increased alliances
A website can also help you get connected with your suppliers,
related businesses, or others in your field, and this could all
mean increased alliances working to get business to your door.
If you’re feeling more certain about why you need a website,
may we suggest you download a free copy of the Website
Planning Worksheet. It’ll help you through the very next
important steps of planning exactly what you want your website to
be and do. If you have any questions, or would like some assistance,
please contact us at 416-960-8931 or by e-mail.
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