Like many small business owners, you may believe your business cannot benefit from having a website or that a website is not within your budget. Or maybe you think because you don’t use a computer, neither do your potential customers. These are misconceptions. Here are some reasons why your company NEEDS a professional website, no matter the size of your business.
1. Accessibility
If you have a website, your potential customers will have instant access to all the information they need about your business and products. Your customers will be able to know instantly about your products, sales information, promotions, or even job interviews. Customers can access your website 24/7, and can even be notified via email about new products and promotions. Thus, having a website is the most effective way for you to keep your customers informed about your business.
2. Cost effective way of promoting your business
Having a website is a cost-effective way of promoting your business. You do not need a lot of money to design and maintain a business. By having a website, you position your small business to reach thousands of potential clients for less amount of money as compared to Newspaper adverts and brochures.
3. Your Business Will Gain Trust and Credibility
Consumers use the internet to search for companies they deal with, and if they fail to find your business online, then you may instantly loose credibility. Businesses with a website are considered to be more credible and trustworthy than those without. So, whatever business you are running, you ought to have a website. Having a website will differentiate you from your competitors who do not have a website. A good, well-structured website can convince a customer to buy from your small business. You will also have a personalized email e.g. sales@mycompanyname.co.zw, which is more professional, and increases the credibility of your small business in the eyes of the customers.
4. Wider Audience
You will be able to reach more potential customers via a website. By having a website, you will not be limiting your business to customers from your local area. You will have access to many more customers, from all over the country, and even globally. You can potentially sell your products and services to millions of customers via your website. Many people are now searching for products online, so you need to position your small business well in this technology age.
5. Sell your products online
You can sell your products and services on your website. Selling products online simplifies sales for both your staff and your customers. Thus, you will be able to get customers from both your local business, and from the internet. This will greatly increase your sales, and you will be able to make more money.
6. Cheaper Customer support
You can greatly reduce the cost of customer support by having a website. You can set up a customer service ticketing system on your website, or even just a Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ) section on your website. Clients can get customer service via your website, and you will be able to cut costs of hiring many customer service employees.
7. Your competitors have websites
You will be losing a lot of customers if you do not have a website. Billions of people every day use websites via smartphones and computers. When consumers want to buy something, they usually start by searching for the products online. If you do not have a website, the potential customers will buy from your competitors who have a website. You have to adapt to the digital age by having a website for your small business.
8. Protecting your brand
Having a website will help you to secure your brand on the internet. If you do not have a website, someone can register your business name online, thus stealing your brand. The fake brand can even end up damaging the reputation of your business. You can use your website as a portal of releasing accurate information about your business, and influencing the public perception of your business. Testimonials about your business can also be showcased on your website, thus increasing the value of your brand in the eyes of the customers.
9. A website saves you time
We appreciate the challenges small trades confront every day. Luckily, a website can significantly alleviate your burden. Your site can enlighten patrons about your hours of operation and information on your goods and facilities. You will use more time managing your company and a smaller amount of time on the receiver chatting about it. Your website acts as your own private sales squad. It is a place where patrons can gain knowledge about your company at their ease. While your store may not be open for 24 hours, your website is. This permits clients to find you at any instant.
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