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What are the benefits of having a website?
-Tens of millions of global users would have 24 hour, 7 day/week access to information about your business. This is a big one.
-It is a convenient and accessible way for potential customers to learn about what you offer.
-Websites are some of the most efficient advertising tools available: compare a company website's content with what you can put in a newspaper, magazine, or radio ad.
-Websites can increase sales, with and without e-commerce. People might be more likely to come to your store or contact you for business if they have all of the information they want.
-Quality websites can give you a competitive edge against others in the industry. Because so many businesses do have websites, if yours doesn't, you are missing out on a lot of potential clients when they find your competitors first.
-Websites give your business credibility, a raised company profile, and a trustworthy "face."
-You can decrease the costs of printing newsletters, brochures, flyers, etc since much, if not all, of the information would be available online.
-Current events and information can be updated quickly.
-Save both your business' and clients' time by making forms and common questions/answers/topics available online.
-You can raise awareness about your business in the many specialized markets.
Are there Any Disadvantages?
A lot of people forget to mention the disadvantages of websites because it is pretty hard to come up with them. In fact, in this technological, global era, I can't think of any business or industry that couldn't benefit from a website. There is a growing number of specialized markets making their debut on the web... for good reason.
The Internet is widely used. I can't emphasize that enough. I'll present my family and the internet as an example.
I look up local companies, restaurants, or services multiple times a week, use it for school in too many ways to list, read, watch, and listen to [news] articles, videos, & sound clips for recreation and self-education, search for recipes and other how-to's frequently, shop or browse various websites almost daily, and, of course, use my various email accounts daily. Whenever I hear a company name or see a sign/ad that interests me, I usually search for it on the Internet at the soonest chance I get.
My parents use the internet for business and personal email, online shopping, hobby sites, industry/suppliers for our businesses, and looking up any businesses, services, or products that catch their attention or curiousity.
My brothers, I'm sure, use the Internet much the same way I do. In addition, they both use the computer extensively for personal networking, and my older brother uses his employing corporation's website for schedules, news, and other information.
For my whole family, I can truthfully say that whenever we need to find something (be it a business, service, product, or trivial information) the first place we usually go is to the Internet. It's all in the convenience!
I suppose I should discuss disadvantages, being as that's the topic of this section.... "Cons" that I could come up with (after a lot of serious contemplation) include:
There is that little investment issue.... I know it might be a little overwhelming forking out hundreds of dollars for a website, especially if you don't personally use the Internet a lot or if you are a small business. I try to keep my own rates reasonable, with this in mind. If one compares the cost of other marketing forms, websites really are cheap and effective. Also, your website can include only as much as you want or can afford- components and pages can always be added later! Finally, I am willing to work out payment plans for customers, upon my discretion.
Sometimes, having a poorly designed website, be it in overall style/design, aesthetics, an outdated feel, navigation difficulties, content incompleteness or mistakes, etc, could be worse than having no website at all. Remember, a website is your virtual business card and informational packet, and first impressions do make a difference! It is important to have a website that meets (or exceeds) the professional standard of others in the industry. This is why having a webdesigner that fits your needs is important. This is also why I am always trying to improve upon my techniques and to expand my knowledge- as I've seen a lot of websites, it makes it all the more difficult and important to create an exceptional one that is satisfying for my expectations. Honestly, if I don't think I'll be able to do your business' website justice, I will let you know and refer you to someone that may.
Putting together the information and photographs that you or I want in your website is no small task. In fact, it is often a surprisingly large amount of work. My website content packets help as guidelines so as not to leave you out in the woods, and I am always available if you need extra assistance (we can even set up a meeting, if you are a local business, to brainstorm, take notes, etc.). I will note that your website can be as complete or basic as you'd like, and though the former is infinitely better for your customers, we can always start with simple information and add more later.
It takes a little time for word about your website to spread. This is where your other marketing tools come in handy- always give the website address in advertisements. When building the site, I do make sure I've got relevant text and tags incorporated into your website. We can also submit your sites to search engines and I can help you find industry-related sites that might list your link for you.
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