A recent study by Verisign found that a large percentage of small-sized businesses do not realize the advantages of having a strong web presence. A lot of times, the company doesn’t have the expertise and technical knowledge required to build an online presence, and others are concerned that it’s too expensive. The reality, supported by this study people who are implementing it are making tremendous results – and at low expenditure, effort, or maintenance.
It was also found that small-scale businesses that take advantage of online resources opt for social media over the internet they own. For those who are able to sell online, they decide to set up their own sites like eBay or Etsy. Although these options are appealing due to the accessibility, small entrepreneurs aren’t capitalizing on the advantages of having their own site.
1. Great Online Business Presence Builds Trust
A Weebly survey found that 56 percent of customers do not believe in a company without having a website. The process of creating a strong online presence requires more than just purchasing domain names and publishing photos of your business and contact information. It should be the digital image of your company. The fact that you have your small company online increases the credibility of your business. Customers who are able to browse your site online and see a clean website will perceive you as an expert rather than an unprofessional mom-and-pop business. Offering potential customers an impression of confidence in your business can make possible future sales. Additionally, having an email with a branded logo that promotes your company’s domain name improves trust with customers and trustworthiness and makes you appear to be an authentic company.
2. Online Presence Builds a Greater Clientele.
With predicted web-based sales hitting $1.409 trillion for 2014, businesses that do not have the presence of an online site are at a distinct disadvantage. The absence of this critical marketing avenue is the same as telling yourself, “I don’t need any new business.” Even if yours is an established business, pairing this with a fantastic web presence will make you stand out. Your website’s reach isn’t restricted to the location that your business is situated. Your website’s reach extends all over the globe and reaches potential customers in ways that traditional advertising and newspapers would.
3. Great Online Business Presence Makes Marketing Easier
Whatever your message is, the reason you’re putting it out there, or what it might be, you’ll be unable to connect with your customers without the right technology. If you allow your site to function for you, customers won’t be at a disadvantage when they are pushed by a salesperson. The ability to provide a clear and concise description of your offerings or services online allows customers to make a more relaxed decision. Marketing online is also quicker and cost-effective than traditional printing and mailing as it can reach a larger public in a shorter amount of time. Be aware that when you market online, special preferential treatment is granted to smaller businesses; therefore, take advantage of this chance to compete with the big business rivals.
Verisign also discovered it was the case that before development sites, the most perceived obstacle for small-sized businesses was the lack of technical know-how and the expense to create the website. But, after the development of the website, only 8 percent of small-business respondents viewed the cost of developing their own website as an obstacle, and the technical knowledge dropped from 45% to 22 percent. Although small-scale business owners cited a variety of real and perceived barriers to establishing their own website, over three-fourths of respondents agreed that they would recommend investing in websites to other small firms, concluding that the benefits of owning your own website are greater than any feared or actual obstacles. Other issues included the cost of time, safety, and continuous maintenance for the website. Finding a web design and development firm you can trust will eliminate your worries.
