Why your business needs a web site

Many consolidated, non-technological activities of small size do not see the need for a website. Why should a living room or a small retail store must be on the internet? There are many answers to this question.

Websites are an essential marketing tool these days. No need to be selling anything online. Simply having a web presence can introduce your business to a whole new clientele who never knew you existed.

Having your own basic website in 2006 is comparable to list your company in the yellow pages in 1986. You do not take into account not list your business and phone number there. A large percentage of small business customers' has historically come from people who decide they need a product or service and find someone who can meet any need by simply opening the book. Well, this is still true today, but much more of these same potential customers are going online for the same reason.

Now, following this logic, is not enough to list my company with corporate directories and services online yellow pages? The answer is simply not.

For example, a few weeks ago I was out of town and discovered that I needed to get an oil change immediately. As always, I logged on to multiple sites of yellow pages to see what my options were. As expected, I got a list of about 40 different places I could go on. So, as I decided which company to use? Simple, I found the ones that not only their phone numbers, but also had a link to their websites. There I had all the information I need on hand. I found the hours, locations with maps and directions, and especially information on prices and special offers are currently offering. I ended up using a smaller, non-chain company that had invested in putting a site very simple.

Believe me, I'm not the only person who shops with products and services in this way. Without some form of web presence, you are missing a whole segment of potential customers.

As a small business owner myself, I certainly understand the reservations that many of us have to invest money in a non-traditional marketing concept that seems to me. Perhaps you are not familiar with computers and the internet and do not want to be like that! You need not be, but are they willing to let your competitors take business from you?

There are many options to get online. If you are interested in learning and building your own website, there are many companies out there that include some form of web design software with their web hosting monthly fees. If you want to get something a bit 'more professional or have no interest or time to do it yourself, there are many companies out there that specialize in web design.

If you decide to hire someone to design your site for you, be sure to compare the services offered and compare prices. Like any other service that you buy, there will be a wide range of prices and many different options. Take your time and really think about what you want from a designer and make sure they understand the objective of your new website.

Furthermore, it is essential that you feel comfortable to communicate with your designer. You should also make sure you know all the hidden costs up front. Hiring someone to build your web site can be like hiring a contractor to build your home. There are literally thousands of variables that may increase costs, so you must have a contract in advance that describes what you are paying, usually with a down payment before work, exactly what you are getting at that price and a guarantee time it will take to complete the site. There are so many web designers out there who do not need to work with a person or a company that make you uncomfortable in any way.

In conclusion, if you have a small "mom and pop" retail store, restaurant, doctor's office or any other type of small business, you are losing much of the market by not having an Internet presence of base. Do not let fear of the unknown keep you from being caught by a big pool of potential new customers .......