There has been a steady rise in the amount of people who use the internet to search for and buy goods and services.
Last year the BBC recorded a 50% increase.It is the increase in users that has made the internet a potential market that businesses need to tap into.The main tool for tapping into this market is a website.
A website is irrelevant to businesses that believe potential customers are unlikely to search the internet for their services or products.That aside every business needs a website.
Why I hear you ask,what can a website do for me that I am not already doing?
Well it will:
1.Help generate sales leads by way of appearing on search engine rankings.A website that targets the needs of your potential customers is bound to attract a lot of potential customers to your website where you can sell them your products or services.
2.It enables you to tap into a global market regardless of the geographical location of your potential customers.Customers who would normally not be able to buy from you will be able to do so through the website.
3.A website enables you to communicate with potential customers about your products and services through your website.
4.A website will enable you to build a community online using either a forum or blog to provide information potential customers have requested this will instill trust in your potential customers consequently leading to more trade between yourself and customers.
5.The use of a website to address customer support and services will lead to significant savings in the cost of hiring staff to answer telephones.
6.A website would enable to display products or services in a gallery online or as a downloadable catalogue which would reduce printing and mailing costs.
7.A website can serve as a market research tool by enabling you to undertake surveys and polls online to measure customers' interest in your products or services.
8.A website can also be used to provide an internal information system for business.This will enhance communication among your staff enabling them to communicate faster and more effectively.This can be achieved by using a password protected part of the website
On the strength of the abovementioned points I believe a website is a very valuable marketing tool that no serious business can afford to ignore.
Till next time goodbye and good luck.
