Why Every Small Business Needs a Website

By: Helen M. Overland, 2004

A website is one of the best marketing investments your business can make. It can make money, save money, give better service to your customers and business partners, and help your business grow. The initial investment is small, and the risks are low.

Here are the main reasons to have a website for your organization:

Save Money

A website is cheaper than a yellow pages ad, and reaches a much wider audience
Your website can have as much detail and colours as you desire for the same price, unlike print advertising
Updates: If you run out of an item, simply remove it from the site. No disappointed customers
Customers who contact you by email don't cost you a telephone call
Save on marketing costs: customers who order brochures and catalogs already have a good idea what you sell

Make Money

Increase your sales
Many customers now browse online, then call the companies that impress them
You can show all your products and services on your site in an online catalogue
You can test larger markets
More and more people online each year: the market only grows (hundreds of millions already online)
Potential business partners can find you
Customers who find your site from search engines are specifically looking for your products, and are likelier to purchase from you
A website can help you keep up with, or stay ahead of, your competition

Better Service

A website looks professional. It can help people take your business seriously
A professional website can build trust, and shows you are "up with the times"
Customers can get immediate answers to their questions 24/7, on demand
Customers can find out how to contact you to order or learn more
You can give a directions and a map to your locations