Would you consider NOT listing your business in the yellow pages?ÂIf the answer is no, then you may also need a website simply to maintain a corporate presence and make yourself accessible to your clients. Unlike a bricks & mortar shop, a website can have its doors open 24/7. Unlike a brochure or magazine advertisement, a website can be relied on for the most up-to-date information.
Would you rely on a single brochure to drive all of your sales?Â
Probably not, but used in conjunction with a great sales team and an integrated marketing campaign it can be a useful tool. The same applies for a website. It can easily become your most powerful customer management and sales tool - after your own staff, of course.Â
A website can:Â Â Â
- create a corporate presence - if you are a large company clients would expect to be able to find out about you online Â
- sell products directly to the public  Â
- generate and qualify leads Â
- gather feedback to help you improve your product or service Â
- compete with big business Â
- extend your trading hours Â
- expand your market     Â
- save time by answering common questions onlineÂ
How will a website help my specific business?
Restaurant/cafe   Â
A website may help you attract diners from further than your local area. It may also help bring in repeat business by advertising promotions, specials and menu changes. Â
Customers may  use your website to      Â
- compare you with other restaurants in the local area to see if the atmosphere and menu is what they are looking for      Â
- find out where you are     Â
- look for specific items on your menu     Â
- make a booking     Â
- read reviews by other customers     Â
If you showcase your atmosphere and menu you may attract diners from further than your local area. Â
Professional services Â
Do you often find yourself answering the same questions? Would you like more qualified leads? Do you need to inform your customers about latest procedures or changes?      Â
If so, a website might benefit you by   Â
- Saving time & money - It can answer the most common questions customers might have   Â
- Getting you more qualified leads - the right information on your website can help your customers decide if you are a good fit for their needs before they call (and vice versa)   Â
- Helping reassure customers and potential customers, particularly if they are about to take on something new    Â
- ensuring clients have access to the most recent information      Â
Retail Â
Would you like to extend your reach? Are you selling a niche product with a limited market? Would you like an online store to expand your bricks & mortar business without the expense of building commercial premises? Â
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A website might help you by:Â Â Â Â
- Answering questions about opening hours and holidays  Â
- Allowing people to order or buy 24/7 Â Â
- Constantly having an up-to-date list of available products  Â
- Opening yourself to a global market     Â
Trade Â
Do you spend a lot of time answering the same questions? Do you wish you could screen some enquiries to make sure they are a good fit for your business? Do you see people make the same mistakes over and over again?   Â
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If so, a website might benefit you by   Â
- Ensuring you are quoting on jobs which are a good match for your skills  Â
- Giving the customers the information they need to help you complete the job  Â
- Displaying your product or services or awards  Â
- Helping customers choose colours, styles and designs  Â
- Making user manuals or maintenance guidelines easily accessible   Â
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