Top of your to-do list should be getting a website created. If you don’t have a website you will run the risk of not reaching potential customers through social media and search engines and also of driving away your current customers.
Before you print a business card or spend a penny on advertising, you need to start marketing by having a website.
A website helps you connect with new customers
Customers want easy access to your information – If you don’t have an online presence, it’s more than likely that a potential customer will pick a rival that does.
But I’ve just started a new business and only have a small budget, I cant really see the value in having a website…
As a small business owner you probably think you can’t afford a professional website, but you can’t afford NOT to.
You might think that a Facebook page is enough for an online presence or that a traditional mail shot will help you sell products but the truth is the only way to start promoting a business is by having a professional website created for you.
A website will save you money – Although the cost of designing a website varies, once it’s up and running, a website for a small business generally costs under 100 a month and, in some cases, as little as 25. Compared with the cost of a newspaper or magazine ad, when you consider the potential market you can reach with a website, it is a very cost effective way to promote your business.
So what are the essential things a small business website needs?
- Information about YOU. This is especially important for a small business as people want to know who they are dealing with. You should also consider having your photo on there too!
- Information about what your business does. You need to shout about what you do, especially if you are a service-based business. People want to see what you can offer, with great photos that can be enlarged. Dont make them small!
- Give customer an easy way to contact you. Dont forget the simple things like contact information. At the least have a phone number and email address but ideally also have a contact form. Make it easy for people to choose how they wish to contact you.
- Give customers a reason to contact you; a Call to Action. You need to give the people who land on your site, the people who are looking for what you offer, a reason to take the last step and contact you. What do you have that they want? Make it clear and spell it out for them! It could be a simple Call us today for a free quote or a discount if they fill out your contact form.
I specialise in creating websites for small businesses. I would be delighted to help you get yours up and running. Contact me today for a quote!
