There are many reasons for a website, but we have compiled all the good ones, in 10 undisputable points:

1. Establish A Presence --People can find you

Over 1 billion people worldwide have access to the World Wide Web (WWW).  Regardless of your business,  1 billion people cannot be ignored.  1 billion active web browsers, that search online to shop, to find a dentist, a plumber or a better deal on their flat screen tv.

2. To Network

A lot of what passes for business is simply nothing more than making connections with other people. Every smart business person knows, it's not what you know, it's who you know. Passing out your business card is part of every good meeting and every business person can tell more than one story how a chance meeting turned into the big deal. A business card without a website is incomplete.  The first thing people ask for after a conversation is; "What is your web address?"  That is the place they expect to read more about you, what you do, where you are.  Often, people do research on a particular business too, seeking other consumer reviews to obtain a better idea about your quality of service.

3. To Make Business Information Available

What is basic business information? Think of a Yellow Pages ad. What are your hours? What do you do? How can someone contact you? What methods of payment do you take? Where are you located at? Personally, I do not know anyone who uses the big thick, heavy yellow pages anymore.  When people seach for a business contact information, they look to the web.  Now think of a Yellow Pages ad where you have instant communication. What is today's special? Today's interest rate? Next week's parking lot sale information? If you could keep your customer informed of every reason why they should do business with you, don't you think you could do more business?

4. Low Cost Marketing

When compared to the costs associated with traditional advertising methods such as direct mail, newspaper or magazine ads, or radio and television, the cost of a web site is nominal.

5. Build a customer database

With a web site, you can build a customer / user database to save contact and demographic information about people who visit your web site. This can enable you to gain a better understanding of who your online visitors are, and create complimentary marketing strategies (direct mailings, etc.) customized to their interests. This is also a great way to keep in touch with customers who have purchased your products, leaving you the ability to send a follow-up e-mail, or occasionally sending them information about new products.

6. Improved Customer Service

Your web site is a great place to publish your own list of "Frequently Asked Questions", or even the rarely asked ones. Well thought out questions and answers, in as much detail as you like, and exactly as you'd like it stated, can provide your customers with immediate help with their question, as well as provide customer service staff with a reference tool. The time of day is now irrelevant. With a web site your products, services and information become available to anyone with Internet access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

7. Open an online store, at a FRACTION of the cost of a physical store

Along those same lines, an e-commerce web site allows you to display all your products, complete with photographs, audio and video clips, and detailed written descriptions, without the need for a physical store. This means no rent, no utilities, no property and liability insurance, no property taxes, no repair and maintenance, no supplies, and none of the associated labor costs. If your suppliers will drop-ship, you don't even need to maintain an inventory.

8. Faster Sales, Force Training

A great way to promote faster training and product knowledge for your employees is through the use of a password protected area on your web site. Your employees can access it from anywhere, so you can ensure they always have updated prices and product information, as well as details about any time-sensitive issues such as a "Labor Day Weekend Sale" or next weeks staff meeting.

9. To reach a highly desirable demographic market

The demographic of the world wide web user is probably the highest mass-market demographic available.  Surveys have shown that the average Internet user is 36 years old, has a college education, and an annual income of $65,000. You can reach customers online that would possibly never enter your physical store or office.

10. To Answer Frequently Asked questions

Customers generally have the same questions.  Instead of going over the same inquiries, over and over again, a FAQ (frequently asked questions) page can save you and your staff a great deal of time.  Post them on your website and provide a simple oversight for your customers.  The more information they have about you, the more comfortable they are and trust you and your business.

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