There are real benefits for you as a small business owner to get a website....

Use the Internet to Solve Common Business Challenges

In addition to providing an additional revenue stream and a  way to promote yourself 24/7, an online presence can help you present yourself as a professional organization capable of keeping up with the competition.

Today's consumer has come to expect each business they work with - large or small - to have a web site. Many consumers will "check out" a business via their website before making a purchasing decision. If you don't have a website, it may indicate to a prospective buyer that you're not a serious business owner.

The Internet also provides small business owners with a vehicle for solving some of the common challenges of owning a business.

For example:

- E-mail is an efficient way to communicate with employees and customers, and to promote a your company's brand.

- A website provides an affordable way to establish an online .presence, access information, market services and generate leads

- An e-commerce platform allows companies to sell products on the internet.

- Domain name registration - helps create an internet identity and extend a small business' brand.

- Online security, including encrypted e-mail and SSL certificates, is essential for small businesses that want to conduct online transactions.

- Online marketing, including products for getting listed in major search engines like Google® and Yahoo!, is vital for attracting visitors to your website.

---

Considerations for Building an Online Presence

Ask yourself the following questions before building your online presence with a new website:

Products and Services

• Quality - Will I be satisfied with the Web site development services I choose?

• Scalability - Will my Web site be easy to upgrade and to add services as my business grows?

Customer Care

• Availability - How easy will it be to get help from customer support?

• Expertise - Will I reach someone who is knowledgeable?

• Cost - I have a limited budget...

• How much does it cost to set up?

• How much does it cost to maintain?

• How does the price compare to other options?

Value - The combination of quality, service and cost

• Return on investment - Will this option help me achieve my business goals (generate leads, increase sales, improve customer satisfaction, etc.)?

• Value of my time - I want to focus on my core business, will this option save me time?

• Can I do it myself or would I be better off hiring someone?

  ---

Approaches Small Businesses Take To Getting Online

When you consider all of the options, there are several common approaches you may take to getting online:

1. Do nothing

2. Ask a friend or relative to develop your website

3. Hire a design shop or freelancer

4. Assemble products and services "a la carte" on your own

5. Rely on a full service integrator

In order to move your businesses forward, you will ultimately choose the best option for getting online based on your business needs, skill level, and the time and money you have to devote to developing an online presence.

< Prev		Next >