Does Your Small Business Need A Web Site? (Part 1)

 Does Your Small Business Need A Web Site? (Part 1)

• You are the owner of a small business. You use the Internet both in your business and privately. Of course, you know that there are many, many websites out there. You have probably even made a purchase through another company's website. Perhaps it's obvious that you could do the same with your own business Certainly, additional e-commerce sales could only help your bottom line. But does your business really need a website?

• When deciding that, consider what a website means...

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• You are the owner of a small business. You use the Internet both in your business and privately. Of course, you know that there are many, many websites out there. Most likely, you have even made a purchase through another business's website. Perhaps it's obvious that you could do the same with your own business. Certainly, additional e-commerce sales could only help your bottom line. But does your business really need a website?

• When making this decision, consider what a website really means to a business. A well-designed website can expose your business to a much larger group of potential customers. This makes it a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal.

• In today's competitive business world, marketing experts tell us that a successful marketing strategy is essential to growing your business. Effective use of a website can attract new customers and turn them into customers. These new customers (your best market) can now be courted through additional online newsletters, automated email notifications (auto-responders), special offers, or any number of tactics. Meanwhile, you're building a mailing list that's like gold for your marketing efforts. With this nearly limitless and relatively inexpensive marketing tool in the form of your website, your profits can skyrocket even further.

• A website needs to be well-designed. In addition to targeted, effective content, your website also needs to be regularly maintained and updated. To realize its full potential, someone in your company needs to constantly come up with new online marketing strategies. However, if you view these efforts as marketing investments, they can pay off in the form of increased profits for your business.