Friday, November 28, 2008

Business Web Sites: Does Your Business Need One?

By Craig Calvin

Most business owners ask themselves whether or not they need a website. They want to know the positives nad negatives to having one. The following facts should help a business owner make the soundest decision.

1. The internet is the top place people turn to when they want information. It doens't matter what kind of information it is, they will look here first. If you do not have your own place on the internet, you will be missing many opportunities. Your competitors will probably have a website, and that is where your potential customers will end up.

2. If you have a website, you are claiming your place on the internet. A website makes you seem more legit. It also lets people know where you are and when you are open. The internet is where you set up shop and advertise yourself to the world.

3. A website gives you visibility. How do you feel about free advertising? Does putting your name out there sound like a good idea? If so, having a website can accomplish this for very little cost and time. Once you have a website, you can join webrings and business directories that can channel interested people to your site.

4. Customer service 24/7 is a great feature to having a website. You don't need to pay people to do this for you, your website will tell anything someone needs or wants to know immediately. This is a great way to screen customers and only have direct contact with serious clients.

5. A website can create a larger reach. If you are currently limited to your immediate area, a website can reach thousands more areas. You can become a global industry immediately.

This being said, it is difficult to imagine anything negative about having a website. It is not time consuming and costs hardly anything. You can even learn how to desgn one yourself. There are also freelance designers out there who can create a site for you within hours and quite affordably. - 16035

About the Author: