The short answer is yes, but in the words of the Merovingian, it’s not the answer that we search for rather the why. So the real question is why does your business need a website?
In the United States, only 54% of small businesses have a website1. In the United States in 2008, electronic commerce accounted for $3.7 trillion with business to consumer transactions accounting for $288 billion2. Since only half of small businesses in the U.S. have websites, there is still a huge online market share to be had.
Some readers may be thinking, “That’s all well and good if my business was focused on selling a product, but my business is about providing a service that requires face-to-face interaction with the customer.” Well, in the United States, there are nearly 240 million internet users, who account for just over 77% of the population in the U.S.3. Your website is your digital storefront. If you don’t sell products on your website, you can still provide valuable information to customers and potential customers, like your location, operating hours, testimonials, and background information about your company. You can also use your website to automate some functions of your business, like collecting preliminary information and contact information from customers and potential customers. The two largest advantages digital storefronts have over brick and mortar storefronts are that they are open 24 hours a day and that they provide convenient access for your customers and potential customers.
For some more information on why your small business should have a website, check out this article.
1Why Your Small Business Needs a Website in 2010.
2U.S. Census Bureau 2008 E-Commerce Multi-Sector E-Stats Report
3United States of America: Internet Usage and Broadband Usage Report
I don’t unremarkably comment but I gotta state thanks for the post on this amazing one : D.
I agree, Yes, every bseinsus needs a web site. If you want your bseinsus to be taken seriously, especially if you are just starting out, than you need to be able to advertise that you have a web site for them to visit for more information or to see more of your products or to order on-line even. Having a web site is viewed as being professional now a days and if you don’t have one people will most likely look elsewhere. Even if your bseinsus is a local one your potential customers want to be able to look you up on the web site. You have posted some really good advice here thanks for sharing your opinion I agree completely.
jhosleen,
Thanks. In today’s world, a business without a website, or at least some kind of online presence, doesn’t really exist. Ok, so there are some industries that might not benefit from a website to the same degree as others, but it definitely does not hurt. I agree with you completely that customers may go elsewhere if your business does not have a website. The first thing most people do when they hear about a business or meet the business owner is to go online to learn more about the business. If they can’t find any information, they will go someplace else.
Thanks for sharing.
As a Newbie, I am always browsing online for articles that can aid me. Thank you
Would you mind if I posted this blog post on my webpage? I would certainly give you credit and a link back to your site. Appreciate it, and if possible let me know here, or email me!
Miranda,
Please do. Thanks.
Great post!
Awesome writing style!
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Ed Heavin,
Please share it all you like. Thanks.