More than Just a Business Card
Not sure if a web site would benefit your company?
The latest survey from the Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index finds that "2 in 3 small business owners say technology is important to the success of their businesses. Forty-four percent report having their own web sites, which are used for a variety of business functions ranging from advertising to payment transactions. The top three uses of company web sites include advertising company products and services (81 percent), soliciting customer feedback or queries (69 percent), and communicating with customers, suppliers and employees (68 percent). A smaller percentage of small business owners use their company web sites to take reservations or orders (34 percent) and accept payment (20 percent) for products and services."
What can a web site do for your business?
Advertising your company through the Internet is an easy way of letting people know who you are, where you are and what you can do for them. Having a special event, adding another location or changing your store hours? Put it all in one place for people to see, print or forward to their friends. With more people using computers and the Internet on a daily basis, the average customer is now looking for convenience and ease of use when purchasing products and looking for services.
The Internet makes it much easier for customers to research and find the better bargain or more convenient location. Why not broaden your customer base and allow someone from out of state or with a disability to order from you? Not sure if selling on-line is for you? You can still let people know what products and services you can provide to them or allow them to phone or fax in their order. Not selling products, but services? Tell the world! What an easy way to spread the word!
Do you do a lot of business with other companies or are you a member of an organization? Let those partnerships send business your way with reciprocal links. It boosts your reputation and helps your clients feel more confident in doing business with you.
How does a web site benefit the customers you already have?
Having an on-line presence with directions, store hours, contact information and a product or service listing is a lot easier to send onto someone else when it's all in one place. Have time sensitive information to send out? Customers could sign up and get a weekly article or monthly newsletter letting them know more about your industry, new products and services available, or special sales. It's an easier way to get recall information, refunds, or holiday hours out to your customer with a web site.
How would a web site benefit the rest of your business?
Need an easy way to schedule your employees, book meetings, or keep track of stock? Your company web site can also be used as an in-house business management tool. Employees can log into the site and check their schedules, see when a mandatory meeting is or request a day off. Do you sponsor a little league team or have contests and tournaments? A web site is a great place to place game calendars, contest winners and tournament pictures, while making life a little more organized and easier for you.
Think a company web site is right for you? Contact Lighthouse Information Systems at 410-386-0771 for more information.
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