If you’re running a small business you might think that a website is a waste of time or something that’s only for big companies. If all of your customers are local and you get work by word of mouth then you might think a website isn’t necessary.
In fact a website is important for any size of business and here are some reasons why.
1 Keep Your Customers up to Date
A website can be your shop window, catalogue and brochure all rolled into one. The big difference is that when you change your prices or introduce a new product or service you can update your site in a few minutes, no need to get a new document designed and printed. Your website can always present the latest information as well as news about promotions and special offers.
2 Compete With the World
The beauty of a website is that you have just as much presence on the Net as bigger companies. Your site is available to anyone in the world so you may be able to open up new markets that you never knew existed.
3 Adding Credibility
Increasingly people turn to the Internet first when they’re looking for something, so if your business hasn’t got a site you’ll be missing out. A home-made site may not do you any favours, however: it’s worth getting a site professionally designed and SEO optimised by a company like Dublin SEO Agency Ryco to give your business added credibility.
4 Saving Money
A company providing web design in Dublin will obviously charge you for creating a site. But this is a good long-term investment: it will save you a good deal of money compared to placing regular newspaper ads for example. If it’s designed so you can keep it up to date yourself then the ongoing costs of running a website are remarkably low.
5 Turn Customers into Marketers
A website that allows customers to ‘Like’ or recommend your business on social media can really help raise your profile. A recommendation from a ‘real’ person can carry much more weight than a traditional marketing or advertising message. Of course you may need to manage the odd complaint but do this well and in a timely manner and you can turn a negative into a positive.
6 Saving Time
If you’re running a small business, much of your time may be spent providing information to customers. Whether it’s on the telephone, via email or face-to-face, this can take up a lot of time. Having a website gives you a way to answer the most common questions without people having to ask, giving you time to deal with more complex queries or to carry out other tasks.
7 Round the Clock Service
Your business may only be open during the day, but your website is there 24/7, 365 days a year. It can answer customers’ queries when you’re soundly tucked up in bed and there’s no one in your office to answer the phone.