Invariably when I tell someone I’m a website designer I’m asked what a website could do for their business. Of course my answer varies depending on the type of business they have but in most cases I say a lot!
Whether you’re a small, local business or a huge multi-national, a website can be used to provide information, sell products, gather leads, sign up subscribers or promote your services.
Just as there’s many types of businesses there’s many types of website – from a small, few page site, to a huge, e-commerce shopping website. It can be geared towards an international market or a local market – or both! Whatever your goals and demographic, a website can help you further your business.
Here are some examples:
A Website For a Local Business
Whether you’re the local dentist or landscape gardener, a website is a way to provide information about you and your business to your prospective customers. It can be used to support other forms of advertising, such as the Yellow Pages or local newspaper, where you generally don’t have a lot of space to sell your message. Simply include your website address and your prospects can go online and read the rest of your message.
You can also use your site for local promotions, networking with other businesses or offer additional information not available elsewhere.
A Website for a Country Specific Audience
Expand your audience by selling to a wider range of people. Your site could also be a cost effective way of providing support – such as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) and accept payments online.
Depending on your offering you could also hook up with people offering a similar product/service in other states and service a larger area.
A Website for an International Audience
The big one – an international audience. With an international audience you are able to target a much wider market, perhaps even a market you never considered before.
Whatever your business a website enables you to be open 24×7, 364 days a year. It helps you connect with your prospects and customers and promote your business in a timely manner. All in all a website is a fantastic marketing and selling tool for anyone serious about their business.