We’ve officially entered the Golden Age of the Internet, yet there are still many businesses that don’t have websites set up. Maybe the owners think they’re too small, just them and one or two employees, or perhaps their good or service isn’t really something that can be sold online.
While both may seem like valid points, the fact is that having a website for your business is an absolute essential, no matter what you’re selling or what service you provide. Not all people use the Internet simply for shopping. It’s also an invaluable research tool. So why do you need a website? Read on to learn about why your business needs a webpage now.

1. YOUR SMALL BUSINESS WILL GAIN CREDIBILITY
Before the Internet, most people combed through the yellow pages to look for goods or services. If you weren’t listed, then you probably weren’t credible. The Internet has taken this a step further. It’s no longer enough to be listed in Google search results. You need a webpage to prove that you’re a credible businessman. Today, more and more people use the internet to search for the products or services they need. Your small business will gain credibility by having a website. If you already have a website but it is “home-made having itprofessionally redesigned will provide your business with a professional image which will inspire even greater confidence.
Without these benefits of having a website, you deprive your potential customers of the opportunity to get to know you and your company a little better. The searching customer will probably go with your competitor, who does have a webpage, because he or she feels that the other company is more trustworthy.

2. IT WILL ENABLE YOU TO KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS INFORMED
Think of your website as being your online brochure or catalogue. It is much easier and quicker to update information about your products and services on your website than in print material, making it an effective way of letting your customers know about the arrival of new products, upcoming events, special promotions, or any new services you now offer. Unlike print ads which quickly become outdated, your website can provide current information and news.
Consumers have gotten savvier and more determined to find a good service and a knockout deal. Rather than visiting store after store or calling one service and then another, people are taking to the Internet to find out all they can on a business, good or service.
Chances are many of your customers will first learn about your business from visiting your site, which then becomes your first opportunity to make a lasting, positive impression. A site that looks clean and is easy to navigate makes a big difference with consumers while a confusing one will drive them away.
Even if you’re not selling your good or service online, a webpage will direct readers looking to contact you.


3. IT IS ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE
A website is available to both your regular and potential customers 24/7/365 providing them with the convenience of reviewing your products and services when your store or office is closed. With today’s busy lifestyles, this is a great selling point when making a purchase decision.


4. A WEBSITE MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO TARGET A WIDER MARKET
Whether you provide products or services, your website will provide an alternative location to sell them. As a retailer, a website (eCommerce) is a great place to sell your products to a wider market; even services can be made available globally. Don’t think you’ll be able to sell your products or services online? Don’t forget, even cars and houses sell online. On the web, it doesn’t matter whether someone is next door to you or on the other side of the world, they can see your website just the same as anyone else can, and it doesn’t cost you or them any extra. Phone and mailings both cost enormous amounts long-distance, but your website lets you send information anywhere without any extra effort or expense. You can make friends and contacts in places you’ve never been and will never go – suddenly, working globally is no more effort than working locally.


5. IT PROVIDES A MEDIUM ON WHICH TO SHOWCASE YOUR WORK
Whatever you’re advertising – services, products or just yourself – a website is a great way to do it. Every other kind of advertising going costs a premium, especially if you want to target a specific kind of person, and there’s no guarantee that they’re paying attention. Websites are like brochures that are free to reproduce, interactive, and quickly distributed to people who are already looking for them. No advertising medium even comes close to the ease-of-use and effectiveness of a website. No matter what type of business you’re in, a website is a great place to showcase your work. By including a portfolio or image gallery, as well as testimonials about your work, you can demonstrate what makes your business unique.


6. A WEBSITE SAVES YOU TIME
Giving out information takes time, whether it’s on the phone, or in brochures, or even if it’s just emailing your family. Websites are designed to save you time. All your family and friends can read your online blog, but you only had to write it once. Customers can see your whole product catalog without ever needing to talk to you or visit you. This is the power of the web: things on it are written only once, but can be downloaded endlessly – a good website runs itself, and keeps being useful to people for much longer than you’d expect.


7. IT IMPROVES CUSTOMER SERVICE
Maybe you sell environmentally friendly products and would like to share tips on how to recycle, or perhaps you’re an accountant and want to give your clients advice on how to simplify their bookkeeping practices. By including a FAQ page, adding articles or uploading newsletters to answer all your customers’ questions you can keep them up-to-date.
Not only does this satisfy your customers, but it can provide a reference for your customer support staff. A Website is a great place to gain feedback from your customers and prospective clients. You can use surveys and forms that allow your site visitors to respond to questions you ask, enabling you to get valuable marketing information from your customers. Depending on your company’s products or services, you
may also be able to provide downloadable technical manuals, user guides, or instructions. This provides value to your customers and can even eliminate the need for many people to call your customer service line.


8. CUSTOMIZED EMAIL
I know there are other ways to do this, but by having a website you can have your own email address@whateveryouwant.com. It is more professional and easier to remember. I know you love your steveman99286534@gmail.com, but it doesn’t really resonate with customers.




TO GET A PROFESSIONAL WEBSITE FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
CALL 08068280130
OR VISIT www.apeledesigns.com

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