6 Reasons

It seems that everyone and his brother has a website of some description these days and if you’re in business, it is now as essential a marketing tool as the more traditional newspaper advertisement.

If you have a business of any description but don’t yet have a website we hope the reasons listed below will convince you that you really should be taking advantage of the huge marketing potential that having your products/services displayed on the World Wide Web offers.

1. Increases your credibility

Your website has a powerful impact on a potential customer’s confidence in you. A professional design, well-written copy, helpful product information, and good contact information can tremendously increase trust in your company. It lets people know you’re knowledgeable and up-to-date. If you take the time to develop a good-quality site with helpful information, visitors will have no choice but to be impressed.

2. Makes your company visible anytime, anywhere

In April 2002, there were roughly 165.8 million people online in the US alone. Some of them will be looking for your products and services. With a website, you open yourself up to a world of opportunity in reaching people who might not otherwise find you. With the click of a mouse anyone can get to your company’s website 24/7.

Six billion Pounds worldwide was spent over the Internet in 2002. This increased to twelve billion in 2003. And in future years? Who knows but one thing is for sure, this is a huge amount of money, money that you may be missing out on if you do not have a website or if your existing website just isn’t performing for you. Here’s a few more interesting statistics for you to ponder over:

UK consumers spent £7.66 billion online in the 10 weeks prior to Christmas 2006

- 50% up on Christmas 2005
- 100% up on Christmas 2004
- 10% of retail sales now take place online
Total sales for 2006 £30.2 billion
(Source: IMRG)

Why Do Online Shoppers Love The Internet?

- 70% said it saves time & money
- 89% thought the high street was too full of “inconsiderate” shoppers
- 80% “you can shop whenever you want”
- 70% said it’s cheaper
- 70% didn’t like carrying heavy shopping bags.
(Source: Visa Survey 2006)

3. It brings referrals

A website makes it easy for people to refer new customers to you. For many businesses, referrals are a crucial source of new customers. Having a website makes it easy to encourage referrals because customers can simply send friends and business contacts to your site. Website addresses are easier to remember than phone numbers. Plus, giving people multiple ways of contacting you makes it more likely that they will do so.

4. A powerful sales tool

Selling your products through an online store is often a killer way to expand your business. You have a perpetual, easily accessed storefront – one that costs a fraction of a brick and mortar store and can reach many more people. Effective sales copy can do an incredible job of hooking visitors on your products and compelling them to click that “buy” button. Even if you can’t sell your services directly over the internet, a website is still a powerful asset. It’s a primer that you use to convince visitors of why they need your services. You get them salivating to buy then invite them to contact you through your site.

5. Increases the value of your advertising

Adding your website address to all your advertisements, business cards, and company literature is a great way to draw potential customers to your company. Providing a website gives people a way to act on your message whenever they hear about you or see an ad for your company. Going to a website is easier than writing, visiting a store, or even making a phone call. Customers get the information at their convenience, 24 hours a day 7 days a week and don’t have to wait for a salesperson to help them. It’s also often more comfortable to visit a website, because there is no obligation, visitors don’t feel pressured.

6. Helps you stay in contact with potential customers

There are frequently people who are interested in what you have to offer but they might not be ready to buy right now. You need to stay in contact with them so that you immediately come to mind when they are ready. A website is a great way to facilitate this. You can use your website to collect email addresses from visitors. Then you can periodically send out promotional emails or a newsletter. Staying in contact keeps your company fresh in visitors’ minds.

Convinced?

Complete and send our Contact form and we’ll be in touch to let you know how we can help you create or improve your presence on the World Wide Web.