Each and every business needs some kind of online presence. Not only is it expected by potential clients, it's also one of the easiest ways to expand your market.
If you don't have a website, how will potential clients find you online? And, if they're not finding you, who are they finding instead - your competition?
Did you know that 71% of Internet users go online to research products and services for their local area rather than using a local directory, yellow pages or phone book? What are the reasons people prefer to look online?
- Convenience - They can learn about your services, view your portfolio and buy your products, even when you're closed!
- Availability of Information - A website provides more information than the yellow pages, with interactive content, product details and pictures.
- Lack of Sales Pressure (plus it's OK to wear a bathrobe to a website)
Providing information on your business and services is one of the most important ways to serve your customers. A website provides information on your business 24 hours a day, seven days a week, when it's convenient for them! When you put the focus of your website on serving customers and clients, it will be easy to find even more ways to use the Internet to promote your business and services.
In regard to phone calls, you know your time is spent answering the same questions over and over again. A great deal of time is spent fielding the same questions customers and potential clients want answered before they deal with you.
Provide potential customers or clients with a page of FAQ's on your website. This shows that you are addressing the needs of your customer and you have just reduced the amount of time spent on the phone answering the same thing over and over again.
