The Simple Answer, Absolutely!
There are many reason a business needs a web site. A professional website designer will guide you through the process. He will explain why glitter lettering gifs are inappropriate, why thunder sounds on the home page distract from the visitor experience, why Google can’t digest a flash website, and why SEO is critical to driving traffic. A professional web designer will teach you about design best practices and make sure these elements are used within the project. Having a web presence is one thing, getting results is the ultimate goal. On average, you have the about 30 seconds to make a good first impression before the visitor moves on to the next search. A professionally designed site can help capture the visitor’s attention and keep them engaged. Having an engaging user-friendly site is worth the few extra dollars up front, but the return on the investment is endless.
- GAIN CREDIBILITY FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Consumers are using the internet to searches for products or services right from their phone. Your small business will gain credibility by having a website. Without one, potential customers will go to your competitors that DO. If you already have a website but it is “home-made,” having it professionally redesigned will provide your business with a professional image which will inspire even greater confidence and keep you clients Plugged In. For home-based businesses, this is particularly beneficial if you do not have a storefront to promote your products or services.
- A WEBSITE SAVES YOU MONEY
As a small business owner, you probably think you cannot afford a professional website, but you cannot afford NOT to. 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 $45. Compared with the cost of a newspaper ad, when you consider the potential market you can reach with a website, it is a very cost-effective way to promote your business. If you are a small business just starting out working out of your home, think of the money you are saving not having to pay for office space. A Professional Designed is YOUR professional Image on the Web.
- KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS INFORMED AND PLUGGED IN
With the rising cost of printing and shipping brochures. Think of your website as being your online brochure or catalogue. It is much easier and quicker to update information about your products and services on your website than in print material, making it an effective way of letting your customers know about the arrival of new products, upcoming events, special promotions, or any new services you now offer. Unlike print ads which quickly become outdated, your website can provide current information and news.
- 24/7 ACCESS
A website is available to both your regular and potential customers 24/7/365 providing them with the convenience of reviewing your products and services when your store or office is closed. With today’s busy lifestyles, this is a great selling point when making a purchase decision.
- EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
Whether you provide products or services, your website will provide an alternative location to sell them. This is where a professional web designer help impact your business and can take business from “is this website legit” or “I’m not sure I trust this site with my credit card” image. As a retailer, a website (e-commerce) is a great place to sell your products to a wider market; even services can be made available globally. Don’t think you’ll be able to sell your products or services online? Don’t forget, even cars and houses sell online!
- IT PROVIDES A MEDIUM ON WHICH TO SHOWCASE YOUR WORK
Every business has something to show off; a website is a great place to showcase your work. A professional web design can help by including a portfolio or image gallery, as well as testimonials about your work; you can demonstrate what makes your business unique.
- A WEBSITE SAVES YOU TIME
Providing information to your customers takes time, whether it’s on the phone, face-to-face, in a brochure, or in emails. With an online catalogue you can provide lots of information about your products and services. Once your website is up and running, it is available to your customers indefinitely, saving you time. And what is time? Time is money!
- IT IMPROVES CUSTOMER SERVICE
Maybe you sell pet related products and would like to share tips on pet training, or perhaps you are a mechanic and want to give your customers do-it-themselves maintenance suggestions. By including a FAQ or a Blog page, adding articles or uploading newsletters to answer all your customers’ questions you can keep them up-to-date. What better way to provide them with value added service than by sharing information on your website.
With more users utilizing their mobile devices to access the internet NOW is the perfect time to consider a new Website or a redesign of an existing project. Contact Plugged In Web Design about a free consultation to see how we can help your business get Plugged In.