Why a Website? Who needs one?

Why do individuals want a website?

The answer to this question varies, but people typically create personal or family websites as a way to communicate with far-flung family members and other friends. Newsworthy "articles" and pictures are usually the foundation of such websites.

How do organizations use a website?

By organizations, we're not referring to businesses (see below). Organizations can be clubs, sports teams, school groups, societies, etc. The primary focus of an organization's website is communication, freeing the leaders from answering many of the repetitive questions that always arise.. This may be in addition to a newsletter, either printed or electronic. Meeting notices, announcements, news bulletins, sports scores, calendars and contact information are among the uses that organizations have for a website.

Why do businesses need a website?

Having a website is almost a requirement in today's business environment. Here are 10 ways a website can benefit your company.

• A website keeps your company "open" around the clock.
  Recent surveys show there are over a billion people with Internet access, with 192 million of those in North America. In the United Sates alone, that number is growing by 2 million per month! How many of those people are looking for the goods and services your company provides? A website gives them access to your "storefront" 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


• A website answers frequently asked questions.
  How many phone calls does your business receive asking common, repetitive questions such as "what are your hours" or "where are you located?" A website can answer these and many more product- and service-related questions, freeing up your time for more productive activities.


• A website can help your company's market expansion.
  Whether it's a niche market or a test market for a new product or service, the Internet can help your company expand at a fraction of the cost of traditional expansion efforts.


• A website can help you serve local, regional and global customers.
  More potential customers are using the Internet to get information about products and services from the comfort of their own home. A website meets these customers, whether they are in your local area, on the other side of the country, or across the world.


• A website helps you stay in contact with current and future customers.
  A website is a great way to communicate with your customers, both current and future. Collect email addresses from your visitors and periodically send them newsletters and other informational and promotional materials. Specials and time-sensitive information can be communicated via your website and an email contact. Current customers will appreciate the information and future customers will keep you in mind when they are in the market for your products or services. A website can be a key building block in your relationship marketing efforts.


• A website makes it easy for people to refer new customers to you.
  Have you ever seen a good movie and told your friends about it? Of course. Friends constantly make referrals for all sorts of products and services. A website makes it easy for customers to refer your company to others because they can simply give your website address. (It's easier to remember than your phone number or address, too.)


• A website is a great sales tool.
  Selling products via the Internet is a great way to expand your business. Some companies don't even have a "brick and mortar" store! Look at the success of amazon.com for a great example.
  For businesses that can't sell over the Internet, a website is a powerful sales that can educate your customers about your products and services and convince them to contact your for the sale. And all of this is done without a high-pressure sales person.


• A website increases the value of your advertising.
  Including your website address in all your advertising, including business cards, brochures, news articles, etc. is a great way to let people know about your company. Whenever a potential customer sees your ad they are presented with another way of getting information about your products and services. Visiting the website is easier than getting in the car and driving to your location or calling on the phone; and can be done at the customer's convenience. Besides, giving people several ways of contacting you makes it more likely that they will actually do so.


• A website is low cost.
  Compared to traditional advertising, the Internet is a low cost method of communicating your company's message. Many companies use a multi-faceted approach which integrates a website, newsletter (email and print), and more traditional advertising media.


• A website increases your credibility.
  This is perhaps the most important item in the list. A professionally designed website with clear product and service information and helpful contact information will enhance your company's credibility. Timely updates of your site's content will show your customers that your firm is up-to-date. The Internet also allows smaller companies to compete on the same playing field as larger firms.


If you haven't developed a web site for your business yet, this could be a good time to start. Your competitors may already have one in the works. Take the time to set yourself up as THE resource in your field.

Do you need more information about how all this applies to your unique situation? Feel free to contact us for a no obligation review.