Whatever your business goals are, prospering in today's marketplace requires an Internet presence. Establishing an Internet presence for your company or organization can be one of the most important steps you take. There are hundreds of ways to do it and it is my goal to make sure you do it right.
Your web site is often the first impression an Internet user has of your company. A professional website design, just like your letterhead, logo and other stationery, should project a distinct and positive image on those who view them, and should entice your visitors to learn more about your company and to conduct business with you.
Below I have summarised the key areas where you can benefit from having a website.
Low Cost
Utilizing the Internet for your business is very inexpensive. Unlimited connect accounts are generally available for less than £50/month and include Internet access and e-mail. You can start off with just using electronic mail as a way to communicate with existing customers and new ones.
Customer Support
Provide personalized support for your customers with answers to common questions; assistance on specific products or services, provide a variety of ways in which you can be contacted. Do all this without answering a phone or hiring additional staff.
Available 24/7
This sounds bad but in reality it's a big plus. With e-mail, people can contact you anytime it is convenient for them. You can respond anytime that's convenient for you. When you have a website, potential customers can find out about your products and services 24 hours a day. This also removes any problems involved with timezones.
Global Reach
The Internet is being used on a regular basis by millions worldwide with more connecting every day. Many of the new users come from countries around the world. They want to buy the latest products. They have money. With the Internet they can become your customer! The information you provide on your website is instantly available to every one of these users.
Advertise your Company
The Internet can be an excellent way to promote your company or a product, but it needs to be used along with traditional ways of advertising. With so many web sites out there and 100's more being created everyday it becomes harder and harder to promote your site on the Internet. The best way to promote your product is to use traditional advertising and let potential customers know they can find out more information through your web site. Attract these potential customers into you web site by offering quizzes and prises and give them information on your company or products while they are there. Forums and chat rooms can also help with this and allow your customers to discus your product while they are there.
Build a Community
Want to be perceived as a leader? Want people talking about you, or provide a platform for people to share ideas and ideologies? A website, especially with a forum or bulletinboard, can be a great help in building an online community. It may even be the cement that keeps an offline community together, because of its empowering character and 24/7 availability.
Answering Frequently Asked Questions
Answering the same questions over and over again can be a great waste of money and employee morale. A carefully crafted list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), posted on a website, can reduce the stream of repetitive questions so your Customer Support department can actually start supporting customers, and your Sales Department can really devote their time to selling!
Improve Branding
Branding is a way to differentiate your product, service or company from its competition, and create loyalty. The content of a website, its style and tools such as newsletters allow for many ways to differentiate yourself, make the visitor feel good about you, and build loyalty.
Reward Clients
By offering clients access to a website just for them, you can reward them for their loyalty. This website can for instance be used to offer specials, unique tips or other benefits. You can create an online club for Loyal Customers.