Benefits of a web site.
Here we are in a New Year and I’m already behind on this New Year’s resolution of writing religiously on my blog every week. However I’m only two weeks behind not too bad.
When considering what topic to start with, I thought we’d go back to the beginning. Although I wrote some articles last fall about the whys and hows of a website it is still one of the most common questions I get. So what are the benefits of having a web site? Let’s look at what I consider to be the top ten.
1. Your Competitor Is There.
These days one of the top reasons to have a web presence is because everyone else has one, including your competitors. If all your competitors had a listing in the local phone book you’d consider being there, so why not the web?
2. Tells Your Story.
Prove your credibility, list your expertise, show your retail savvy, and shows your manufacturing system. All of these tell your story in a way that most other marketing mediums simply cannot do.
3. Open 24/7/365.
A website is available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, and three hundred and sixty five days a year. A potential customer no longer has to wait until you open and hope that your sales staff is available. Your web site is available twenty four hours a day every day.
4. Convenience.
Whether you are a B2B or B2C concern most people now do their product research on the web. On the web they can visit your site, look at your product, or service to get a feel for your company.
5. Market Diversification.
Your website is available potentially all over the world to market that you may never have considered.
6. Potential for Added Revenue.
If your website is designed well and brings in a reasonable stream of visitors you can advertise on your site, potentially allowing the site to pay for itself.
7. Enhance Your Brick and Mortar store.
Enhance your brick and mortar store experience by going online and allowing a wider audience to have access to your product. In addition to today’s mobile society, customers that happen by once in a while can return again and again to your web.
8. Cheaper More Flexible Than Other Forms.
The web site is cheaper and much more flexible form of advertising, and reaches a much wider audience that most other forms of advertisement.
9. Added Value.
By offering convenience and a central point for information you ultimately provide added value for your customer. As times goes on you can offer tips hints and advice, further adding value to your product or service.
10.Improve Sales Performance.
By evaluating the various marketing strategies you’ve tried on the web and deciding which ones were the most effective you can produce an efficient product pitch that both the web and sales staff use. This will streamline your sales effort.