Normally, the worst reason for doing anything is "because everyone else is...."

But the fact is, if you're not on the web your competition most probably already is or will soon be.

In yesteryears, the yellow pages were "the" source for information while today it's the web. Almost anyone who has a computer and is looking for information will check the web unless they're just looking for a phone number, and even then they can check that online.

Consumers have become very resourceful with the progress of technology; they like to do their own research and make their own choices. How many times have you entered a bricks-and-mortar, browsed through the store and been approached by an eager sales clerk who says: "Can I help you?" Nine out of ten times, you'll say "Thanks but I'm just looking". Well the world wide web is no different; it's where we look and browse at our convenience for information under no pressure or obligation to buy. When we're good and ready, we take action to buy.

The current 1 Billion online customers will be growing to over a 1.5 billion in 2008 and those online shoppers will spend well over 6.7 trillion dollars.

It goes without saying that if you have no web presence, you give not the opportunity to the consumer to browse your products and services resulting in lost sales you never even had a chance of getting.

Reasons Your Business Needs a Website

• Your competition has a website.
• If your competition does not have a website than you will be one step ahead.
• A website works and advertises for you while you do other constructive things for your business.
• A website answers most peoples' questions without even having to call your business.
• A website allows the customers to contact you and you to contact them at each other's convenience.

1. Your Business is Open to the World 24/7/365 Days a Year
   Unlike your company’s office that may be open from 8-5, Monday thru Friday, your company’s website is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are many different time zones that may affect your business, which is why being on the web makes it time convenient for everyone.
2. It’s Your Online Brochure / Catalog that can be Changed at Anytime
   A website is easier, cheaper and quicker to update than print material. Its’ capacities are almost limitless which allow you to provide users with more comprehensive up-to-date information - such as time and content limited offers. This will save you money on printing and distribution.
3. Reach New Markets with a Global Audience
   On the Internet, you aren’t that local little business anymore. You have the potential to be seen by millions across the globe. Did you ever think your company would have the possibility of doing business around the world? Well, now you can. Without a doubt, the Internet is the most cost effective way to trade nationally and internationally.
4. Improved Customer Service
   By providing answers to questions on your website, sales and information requests can be processed automatically and immediately, whether someone is in the office or not. Online forms can be used to allow customers to request quotations or ask for further information. Save costs by allowing users to download invoices, proposals and important documents.
5. Present a Professional Image
   For a small business, a well-designed web site is a great way of instilling confidence and looking bigger than you actually are. In this day in age, customers assume that you already have a website. By now, your primary competitors probably already have a presence on the Internet. If they do, keep up with them and find ways to make yours better.
6. Sell Your Products
   Why pay expensive rent, overhead, electric bills, and all the other costs that go along with owning a bricks-and-mortar business? Selling in cyberspace is much cheaper and a good way to supplement your offline business. Providing secure online ordering is very affordable for even the smallest businesses.
7. Promote Your Services
   Lawyers, doctors, financial consultants, entertainers, realtors and all service oriented businesses should let customers know that they have a choice. Millions of users are referring to the web and are using the company’s websites to make major decisions when they need a specialized service.
   Law firms and doctors in most countries are not allowed to advertise their services. The world wide web has changed the rules. These professions are now allowed to have a permanent promotion...but only on the web.
8. Gather Information and Generate Valuable Leads
   You can gather information about your customers and potential customers by using forms and surveys. Rather than going out and getting leads, let them come to you. This is a great tool for prospecting targeted customers looking to use your products and services.
   Strengthen marketing efforts
   Your website opens up new possibilities for additional marketing and joint marketing programs with other organizations. There is no better image builder for your company than a compelling and informative website that can be seen worldwide. Your company can be placed on all major online directories and search facilities, thus increasing your visibility and creating new markets by providing additional publicity channels.
   Create customers network
   A website enables you to conduct surveys, contests, subscriptions, and other community outreach exercises. This is a cost-effective way to qualify potential customers as well as obtain invaluable feedback from existing ones. Your website can also be used to test out new ideas by sampling visitor opinions, or featuring a prototype of your product or service online.
9. Provides Instant Gratification
   People are busy and don’t like waiting for information. Give them what they want, when they want it. If your product is suitable, offer them free samples or trials to download. This includes pictures, brochures, software, videos, Power Point slides, music and more.
10. Great Recruiting Tool
    Whether you are looking for talent or posting job opportunities with your company, your website is a great recruiting tool for building your business.

At Blade, our goal is not to convince you to get a website but once your choice as a consumer is made, it is our job to ensure that with web presence your business enjoys a competitive edge. Consult our "Edge" packages or contact us for more information.

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