Why Your Business Needs an Internet Presence
By Hannah du Plessis
“If your business is not on the internet, your business will be out of business.” Bill Gates – founder of Microsoft
Did you know that most people nowadays when looking for something look on the internet first?
Did you know that only 33% of New Zealand small businesses have an internet presence?
Why Do You Need a Website?
A small business website is like a storefront for your business. You now have a way to sell your product or service
directly from your website. Not only can this storefront provide your customers the opportunity to see information about
your business, like when your business was started, pictures about you, your staff, happy customers, achievements and
important milestones. This will make your business seem well-established and more likeable to the customer now that they
know a little more about you and your small business.
One of the greatest advantages that the internet has over all other forms of advertising is the fact that your customers
can view your small business website at their leisure, which means that your customer has time to make up their mind.
Make sure that your website displays all of your products and services in a professional way and with high quality
pictures. This will make your website a strong marketing tool.
A second benefit of having a website is that your website will not be limited to normal hours of operation. Your website
works for you 24/7. Your website will also allow site visitors the opportunity to get updated information as this is
where you will make changes first.
Creating a professional small business website with great quality pictures of all your products, can be a great way to
showcase the products that you offer. You should include technical details and possibly price comparisons along with the
images.
Having a website can allow people from all over the world to see your products, and services online. You are not
restricted to your geographical area. This will ensure a larger customer base.
Having a professional website for your small business can benefit you in more ways than just growing your customer base.
Your website can attract new suppliers. Suppliers that see your site may ask you to sell their products or even offer
you some of the products that you already sell at a lower price. By obtaining new suppliers, your customers will have a
greater variety in products and possible lower prices.
You can also have a feedback form on your website. This will ensure good customer service, which is also a strong
marketing tool.
Having a website and using tracking tools is also a very cost effective way to better understand your opportunities,
strengths, and how your customers perceive your business. By solving problems they may be having with your service or
products, you can provide small business solutions to better meet your customers' needs, which will enhance your
reputation as an expert in the field and enable you to win the trust of your visitors and customers.
By adding a small business website with a strong web presence you will be able to grow your customer base, market your
products and services globally, source new suppliers, and expand your business.
ENDS