Does Your Company Need a Website?

If you are asking yourself this question, you probably already think that you might need one. But why? Simply because "Everyone else does"? Or because you think that every business should have one? Before making an investment into a website, first ask yourself these questions: Who are my customers? Why would they use my website? Do I want to expand my current customer base? Am I willing to invest in a website? These simple questions will help you make some basic, but important decisions. Maybe Not... Not every company needs a website. Many people think they should have one, but they are not sure why they need one. If there is no benefit to posting your company's information on the Internet, then you probably do not need one. For example, if you have more business than you can handle currently and do not want any more, then a website is not for you. Maybe all of your business is conducted locally and your services speak for themselves - then you do not need to market on the web. More Than Likely, You Do Many companies need a website more than others. Companies trying to capture customers who are not local or who rely on delivery as a way to seize that distant customer need an Internet presence. Don't get me wrong, local businesses will benefit from a website, especially one that is well designed, professional, and navigable. Easily stated, most people go to the web for research before buying. Why not have the minimum information for people to contact you? This information should include your business address, telephone number, fax number, hours of operation, email address, and a brief description of your products and services. Common sense will tell you that if you have more than one location, you need to include the minimal information for each. Marketing, Schmarketing. Who Needs It? You do. More companies, regardless of size, are using websites as their marketing foundation. Dollar for dollar, there is no more effective medium to get the job done. Your website can help you reach part or all of the following: Assist customers in finding you in the real world Accessed by anyone, anywhere in the world Updated immediately and at low cost Persuade customers that you possess the best product or service Convey stability, quality, and integrity Your website can give customers more information than your outdated brochure. Customers may go to your competitor because that website told them what yours should have. Keep It Simple Even a simple one-page website can be helpful to your potential customers. What does it need to be successful, you ask. Start with these items: Relevant, easy-to-remember web address that relates or is your company name Your address, including directions and a map Contact information (Remember the minimal information to include?) Hours of operation Compelling, clear description of what you offer This type of website is most appropriate for local companies who want to add another tier of customer service and might not want to increase their customer base. It's also great as a substitute while your complete website is being finessed. Size Might Matter Think of your website as your 24-hour marketing department doling out pertinent information. It can be as static or dynamic as you want it to be. It will save you time and money, especially if your website thoroughly explains your company. Good websites are accessible, quick loading, and navigable. Keep your domain name simple and relative. Why give fickle customers a reason to go elsewhere? Every company has an area that creates problems or uses too much time to solve those problems. Websites might eliminate most, if not all, of those problems and for a lot less money. Who does not what to save money? Make a list of your company's shortcomings. I guarantee that a good web developer will offer unique ways to eradicate these problems. If you summate the design, development, and hosting expenses and divide that by the website's life, it's truly inexpensive and it puts more money into your company coffers. Convinced? Unless you are beating back your customers, chances are you want and need a website. Besides being a terrific and inexpensive marketing tool, think of the killer website that you'll have. It does not have to be elaborate, but it does need to be informative. Your marketing repository never looked better.

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