- by Bill Brine-Lead Generation Master
You've no doubt seen it said again and again that a website is an indispensable tool for generating and maintaining leads for your business. If you are a brick and mortar business, you may think that you don't need a website. Why would you need one?
The 20th century internet boom showed us that even the smallest of businesses needs a website to compete in today's market. As we entered the 21st century, this became even more apparent as everyday people gained internet access and started searching for products on services online. Over 90% of all American families have a home computer, and some form of internet access, whether it be dial up or high speed broadband. Out of those 90%, over 65% will search online first when making a new purchase or hiring someone's service. If those numbers alone do not convince you to build a website for your business, then these reasons should:
1) Sell your products online
The ability to sell your products online, typically using an online shopping cart or eBay, could greatly increase your sales. Your products will be seen in more than one place, giving you greater exposure. Plus, the overhead of displaying your products in an online shopping cart is FAR less then in a conventional store.
2) Provide information that you would not normally be able to
You do not want to clutter your physical store with posters that talk about the history of your business, your mission, policies, etc. If your physical store looks cluttered, then it will hurt your business. A website can be organized in a neat manner with all the information you wish to have displayed. Plus, providing information about your business will make the customer feel more informed, which in turn will make them more likely to do business with you.
3) Websites are global
A website is globally accessible, provided your domain name is known or searchable. Can you name one of form of advertising that is available to anyone in the world, 24 hours a day? You may gain clientele that you would not normally be able to market to in the "real world."
4) Website are cheap
Sure, initially it will cost you some money and time to create and setup your website, but once your website is up, it will remain up as long as you keep paying for hosting and your domain name, which averages about 6 dollars a month. You cannot place an ad in the local newspaper for 6 dollars a week, much less 6 dollars a month.
5) 24 Hour Product Purchases
Clients will be able to view your store and contact you 24 hours a day. Your business probably has set hours in which you are open. Once you close your doors for the day, no other customer can come in and make a purchase. With a website your products are available for purchase 24 hours a day.
6) Minimize customer problems and questions
Again, this goes back to the information situation. If a client has a problem or question about your products or services, instead of tying up your phone line and time, they can go online and read the information that you have provided, or at least direct them to a website that can help them. For example: If you sold them a Sony Walkman, you can direct them to the Sony website for any troubleshooting.
7) Keep Up With Your Competition
Chances are, your competition has a website. The amount of businesses with a website are on the rise. With numbers reaching 80%, you cannot afford to NOT have a website, because chances are your competition already has a website.
Bottom line: your business needs a website!
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Bill Brine-Lead Generation Master
PO Box 121, Amherst, NS B4H 3Y6 Canada
Ph: 902.667.0798
Fax: 760.280.8685
Skype: billbrine
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