DO I REALLY NEED A WEB SITE?

The web is now an essential marketing tool.

Have you noticed that even your local hamburger stand has a website? Having an online presence is as important as having a sign outside your store. Of course, simply building a web site does not mean you're going to get customers. You need a well built website with a combination of solid marketing.

These are only 7 of the benefits of having a web site.

1. Make a Statement
Your website can reflect the image you want your audience to perceive. You can say whatever you want about yourself. This is the ideal marketing situation and cost effective.

2. Establish a Presence
There are almost a billion internet users worldwide. You cannot ignore this market. With proper marketing, you can access these users. Don't forget your competitor already has been accessing your market.

3. Make Targeted Business Information Available.
Think of your web site as a yellow pages ad but bigger and better. By simply giving a potential client your business card, you are only giving basic information. A yellow pages ad is a slightly bigger business card but if you put your web address on both your business card and your yellow pages ad then your potential client can have MORE information about your business as well as targeted marketing information.

4. Serve Your Clients 24 Hours a Day
How many places can serve you anytime, anywhere? It's like having a store that anyone can walk into, browse the products, read the labels and then go to the cash. All without leaving their home and staying in their underwear! Not only that, they can reach customer service counter and the sales rep in just a few keystrokes.

5. Word of Mouth - Referrals
The internet is an incredible communication method. Someone can find your site and send your address to friends or associates who in turn can send your address to their friends and associates. An email can be sent exponentially and swiftly.

6. Save Money
A website has relatively low overhead. Think about how much it costs to open a store, stock the store and staff the store. After the initial setup fees, upkeep fees are fairly low.

7. Save More Money
Print media although necessary can be expensive. If you have prices that fluctuate or information that constantly needs updating, you can easily, economically and quickly change information on the internet whereas print requires time to produce, can be costly and wasteful.

There are many benefits to having a website but don't forget starting up any kind of business including on the internet requires research and a sound business plan. The essence of business is still business no matter where you set it up.