One of the great things about the internet is that it has leveled the playing field when it comes to competing with the big boys and it gives you the oppurtunity of making a good first impression. With a well-designed site, your little operation can project the image and professionalism of a much larger company. I have seen many big company websites that were so badly designed, completely lacked professionalism and credibility. When it comes to benefiting from a website, size does not matter. I don't care if you're a 1-man staff company or a 1,000-employee corporate giant; if you don't have a website, you're losing business to other companies that do. Your site speaks volumes about your business. It either says, "Hello, see, we take our business so seriously that we have created this wonderful site for our customers!" or it screams loud, "Hellooo! I let my 15-year-old child design my website, help yourself in your search." Your website is an important part of your business. Make sure you treat it as such as you treat yourself. |
1. A WEBSITE GIVES YOU YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL EMAIL ADDRESS
Having your own business email address at your own website gives credibility and makes your small business look big. The place of credibility in the achievement of business success can not be over emphasized in this modern day since your clients need to trust you with their money before they can do business with you. Small businesses need to prove to their prospective clients that they are trust-worthy and able to handle big projects. How would you feel if your bank sends you an email from a free email address like zenithbank@yahoo.com or zenithbank@gmail.com; it is almost certain that you will be taken aback and think it is a fraud. You will most probably be on the red alert fearing that you are about to be scammed. This is because you do not expect your bank or any other serious organization to send you a mail using free email services like yahoo or gmail. You expect them to be serious and professional. Using free email services does not portray seriousness and professionalism in any business. Serious and professional organizations send out mails using their domain names. For example, zenith@zenithbank.com; so you should be using email addresses @yourdomainname for business correspondence if you really want to look serious and professional.The truth is that the financial success of every business, either one man business or coporate company, is largely determined by how it is perceived by potential clients. It is our desire to help change every company to the best.
2. YOUR SMALL/BIG BUSINESS WILL GAIN CREDIBILITY
In this modern day, many people use the internet to search for the products or services they need. Your small business will gain credibility by having a website. Without one, potential customers will go to your competitors that have a website. If you already have a website but it is "home-made" (poor web design), having it professionally redesigned will provide your business with a professional image which will inspire even greater confidence in your clients; whether potential client or already existing clients.
3. A WEBSITE SAVES YOU HUGES MONEY
As a small business owner that you assume, you probably think you can't afford a professional website; but you can't afford NOT TO HAVE A WEBSITE. Although the cost of designing a website varies, once it's up and running, a website for a small business generally costs under $400 a month and, in some cases, as little as $100. Compared with the cost of a newspaper advert, when you consider the potential market you can reach with a website, it is a very cost effective way to promote your business. Not getting a website, you are losing out. Your website is the ONLY sales person that never get tired, ask for over time or salary increase, yet promote what you do at FREE COST!
4. IT WILL ENABLE YOU TO KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS INFORMED
Your website will provide current information/news, act as your client's quick reference guide. It serves as your online brochure or catalogue that a customer needs to see before making purchase. It is much easier and quicker to update information about your products and services on your website than in print materials, TV advert or radio jingle; this makes it an effective way of letting your customers know about the arrival of new products, upcoming events, special promotions, or any new services you now offer. Unlike print ads which quickly become outdated.
5. IT IS ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE, IT NEVER SLEEP
Over 20 million people surf the web regularly expecially in the evening when most businesses are closed, which is perfectly fine because websites never take a break. A website will allow your business or organization to be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Having a website is the equivalent of having an employee working around the clock even weekends and holidays! A website is always available to both your regular and potential customers 24/7/365 providing them with the convenience of reviewing your products and services when your store or office is closed. With today’s busy lifestyles, this is a great selling point when making a purchase decision.
6. A WEBSITE MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO TARGET A WIDER GLOBAL MARKET
Whether you provide products or services, your website will provide an alternative location to sell them. As a retailer, a website is a great place to sell your products to a wider people because it is made available globally. Are you thinking you can't sell your products or services online? Don't forget, even lands, cars and houses are sold online!
7. IT PROVIDES A MEDIUM ON WHICH TO SHOWCASE YOUR WORK AT CHEAP RATE
With a website, you can demonstrate or display what makes your business unique. No matter what type of thing you are into, a website is a great place to showcase your work. A website can help you include a portfolio or image gallery, as well as testimonials about your work; this will help you greatly at a cheap rate.
8. A WEBSITE SAVES YOU TIME, SAVES YOUR CUSTOMERS MONEY
Providing information to your customers takes time and could be very tasking whether it is on the phone, face-to-face, brochure, or in emails. With an online presence you can provide alots of information about your products and services. Once your website is up and running, it is available to your customers indefinitely, saving you time and saving your clients money!
9. IT IMPROVES CUSTOMER SERVICE AND YOUR COMPANY CREDIBILITY
A Website makes it possible to provide instantly viewable information and even downloadable content. You can provide frequently asked questions for your site visitors to look up their question and instantly read the answer. Not only does this satisfy your customers, but it can provide a reference for your customer support staff. A Website is a great place to gain feedback from your customers and prospective clients. You can use surveys and forms that allow your site visitors to respond to questions you ask, enabling you to get valuable marketing information from your customers. Depending on your company's products or services, you may also be able to provide downloadable technical manuals, user guides, or instructions. This provides value to your customers and can even eliminate the need for many people to call your customer service line.
10. A WEBSITE GUARANTEE YOUR NAME GLOBALY FOREVER
When you have a website, you have a name popularly called domain name. With your domain name, once you are paying for it every year, no one can ever use or buy your name any more throughout the world. A website will secure your name worldwide.