So as a professional internet marketer and website designer, I am still amazed how many businesses out there still don't get just how important having a great website and social media program is.
I just really blows me away, take for instance a company (I won't say their name or industry) that has 140 locations in Canada, out of all the similar companies in that industry they are the ONLY ones who don't have a website for the public. They have one for the franchisees but not the public. I have emailed them a proposal and tried to make it a point of letting them know just how important it is, and their response has been we're not interested right now. Meanwhile their franchised loactions are probable losing tons of business being the ONLY chain without a public website.
Once again I just don't understand how a company with that much good stuff going on wouldn't jump on this. Some company owners I feel just don't understand, or don't care that they are not on top of this.
Maybe we could hear from you on this topic. I know the stats are really still very high, (something like 50%) of businesses in Canada still don't have a website for their companies. OMG Here is the reasons you have to get on this and now! 1. Your competitors have a website and social media program. You don't and are losing sales to them every day. 2. Your website is the focal point of your entire online marketing campaign. What is the first thing you think people do when they are thinking of hiring you? (I go to their website)If it sucks, that doesn't exactly build trust and confidence in your company or brand. Spend some money on this please!!
3. Your Business is Open to the World 24/7, 365 Days a Year
Your not there 24/7 your website is. 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 [[posterous-content:dlguoCGIEuGxrblJzuIm]]web makes it time convenient for everyone.
4. It's Your Online Brochure / Catalog That Can Be Changed at Anytime, websites usually operate on Wordpress, Joomla or is a HTML or PHP site. Easily editable.
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 information. This will save you money on printing and distribution costs as well.
5. Reach New Markets with a Global Audience
On the Internet, you can be global or national, so 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.
6. 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. Support ticket interfaces like OS Ticket, online forms can be used to allow customers to request quotations or ask further information. Save costs by allowing users to download invoices, FAQ's, proposals and important documents.
7. The more professional you look the more sales you'll make.
For a small business, a great 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.
8. Sell Your Products
selling in through your website is much cheaper and a good way to supplement your offline business. Why pay expensive rent, overhead, electric bills, and all the other costs that go along with owning a bricks-n-mortar business? Providing secure online ordering is very affordable for even the smallest businesses.
9. Promote Your Services
Lawyers, doctors, financial consultants, dollar stores, snow removal, basement renovators, entertainers, book authors, 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 company's websites to make major decisions when they need a specialized service.
10. Generate Valuable Leads - Let customers ask you questions.
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.
11. Social media can create a 2 way conversation.
People are busy and don't like to wait for information. There are two kinds of buyer Mr., Impulsive and Mrs. or Ms Reasearcher (or visa versa, not gender specific. One wants to buy right away and one wants to research it to death. Your website should accommodate both. This includes pictures, brochures, software, videos, FAQ page, Power Point slides, music and more. You should have a Facebook business page, Twitter account, LinkedIn in profile and company page and your tube channel. These should be branded on your home page.
12. 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.
Maybe we could hear from you on this topic. I know the stats are really still very high, (something like 50%) of businesses in Canada still don't have a website for their companies. OMG
Sincerely
Allan Fine
http://www.executiveedge1.com
PS: Got another training on tommorow.
Only $29 http://www.eventbrite.ca/event/5235413262
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