Although many businesses these days start online and never have a physical presence because it’s simply not needed, that’s not the same for everyone. In fact, many businesses either began before the internet was really something people used every day, or that, because of their nature, need to have a store or salon or similar so that people can come to them and make a purchase.
However, because of how any potential customer will be searching for the kind of business they want to use, being online will certainly give you an advantage. If you weren’t there and a customer searched for your services or even your business, it would be your competitors that they went to because they couldn’t find you. Therefore, even if you don’t intend to sell through your website, having one in the first place is crucial. Read on to find out why this is and what the reasons are to take your business online.
You Can Do it
Websites are quick and easy to set up. Or rather, simple websites are quick and easy to set up, and if that’s all you need, you can do it yourself. There are online tutorials, of course, but many web hosting platforms such as WordPress will have wizards that will take you through each step until you have the website you want.
Not only is it simple, but it’s also inexpensive. It will cost just a few dollars to buy a domain name and pay for hosting for a year, and as long as you maintain the website, it should give you the online presence you’re looking for. If you want it to be more than a simple storefront, then hiring expert web designers might be a better option, and although this will cost you more, it should also bring in additional revenue. Plus, you can outsource your IT needs to professionals, ensuring that your site is always active.
The point is, no matter which route you go down, there are very few barriers to starting an online business or taking your existing business online – you can do it (and you should).
Better Company Image
If someone wants to buy from a company they’ve never used before, they will search online for reviews, testimonials, and, of course, for the company website. They’ll want to see evidence that the company is real, legitimate, won’t lose their money, and will receive their goods. If your website is not there because it doesn’t yet exist, this information will not be forthcoming, and for many potential customers, it won’t be worth the risk; they’ll move onto a different business, one that does have a website.
Remember, your customers don’t necessarily want to or need to buy directly from your website if that doesn’t make sense for the way you work, but they will want to get contact information, find out more about your services, and understand what it is you do. All in all, a website will give you a better company image, and this can make a big difference.
24 Hour Sales
If you do have the kind of business that would benefit from having an online store, you can also benefit from 24-hour sales. In the physical world, your store is unlikely to be open all day, every day, meaning that some potential customers simply can’t buy from you – their work schedule or other commitments mean that they can’t get to your store during your normal opening hours.
When you have an online store, you’re effectively open 24 hours a day, meaning that anyone who wants to buy from you can whenever they want to. Not only that, but they can buy from you wherever they are in the country, or even the world (depending on where you ship to), opening up your potential sales market hugely.
