Successful websites are for the readers, not their owners. ~ Thomas Umstattd, Jr.

I enjoy getting out to greet customers and talk with them about how UpStream Marketing can help them.  Recently I was talking to a business owner who hadn’t updated his website in a while.  He said his customers were all on Facebook so he thought he would just quit the website thing and use Facebook.

While your customers might hang out on Facebook, that is not the place to place the future of your business.   You need a home.  There are numerous reasons why you should use a website.

Here are just a few of the reasons:

1. It Is Always Accessible

A website is available to both your regular and potential customers 24/7/365 providing them with the convenience of reviewing your products and services when your store or office is closed. With today’s busy lifestyles, this is a great selling point when making a purchase decision.

 2. A Website Saves You Money

As a  business owner, you might think you can’t afford a professional website, but you can’t afford NOT to have one. Although the cost of designing a website varies, once it’s up and running, a website for a small business generally costs under $100 a month and, in some cases, as little as $20. Try comparing that with the cost of a newspaper ad.  When you consider the potential market you can reach with a website, it is a very cost-effective way to promote your business.

3. A Website Saves You Time

Providing information to your customers takes time. With an online site or catalog, you can provide information about your products and services. Once your website is up and running, it is available to your customers indefinitely, saving you time.  And we all know, time is money!

4. It Improves Customer Service

Maybe you sell environmentally friendly products and would like to share tips on how to recycle, or perhaps you’re an accountant and want to give your clients advice on how to simplify their bookkeeping practices. By including a FAQ page, adding articles or uploading newsletters to answer all your customers’ questions you can keep them up-to-date. What better way to provide them with value added service than by sharing information on your website.

5. Your Business Gains Credibility

Consumers use the internet to search for the products or services they need. Your small business will gain credibility by having a website. Without one, potential customers will go to competitors who have a site and provide online information. If you already have a website but it is “home-made”, having it professionally redesigned will provide your business with a professional image which will inspire even greater confidence.

Need Help?

If you need help with a professional website, contact UpStreamMarketing.net.  We can get your site up and running in no time.