If you’re reading this, chances are you did a little websurfing, and are familiar with the vast space known as the World Wide Web (and it’s called that for a reason). So if you’re reading this and don’t yet have a website for your own business, I have to ask, what’s the hold-up?

There are many excuses as to why some businesses don’t have websites, all of which are misconceptions, such as:

Myth: A website is too expensive to start and maintain.
Fact: There are many website services online that provide everything from free webhosting with pre-established templates, to inexpensive webhosting (less than $60 a month) with a little more glam. Any of these can be put together and maintained by anyone who is familiar with the internet, but doesn’t know any of the programming jargon. Simply type free website in Google search and you’re on your way.

Myth: No one will use the website.
Fact: EVERYONE will use the website, if you let them know it’s there. Put it on your business cards, your ads, your receipts. I guarantee that everyone who visits your business will visit your website at one time or another, if for no other reason but to cure websurfing boredom. And if you have lots of exciting features and information, they will be glad they did.

Myth: A website won’t help my business sales.
Fact: Nearly everyone spends time on the Internet, and Internet sales increase on a continual basis. Even if you don’t have the capabilities available on your website for customers to purchase your service, providing as much information as possible and a means of contacting you will inevitably lead to an increase in clientele and sales.

People use the internet to “brand surf.” Most, when interested in a product or service, will turn to the internet first to see what’s available. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked up a service online, found listings for local providers, and then been disappointed because the provider I’m interested in learning more about doesn’t have a website.

A recent example was when I was buying furniture for our new home. I wanted to go online and see what the distributors carried instead of driving all over town. Even if I couldn’t buy it online, I wanted to narrow down the prospects. But many of the local businesses didn’t have a site, and I ended up wasting lots of my time going to places that had nothing I liked. The last thing you want to do is frustrate your potential customers like that.

The Internet is a valuable resource for establishing and growing your business, and every small business owner should be taking advantage of it. If you’re already online, great! I hope to come across your site sometime and see what you have to offer. If not, then you’re way behind and, to put it bluntly, it’s time you caught up to the rest of the world. So, get busy punching those keys and making your business readily available to everyone!

Related Readings:
• CNNMoney.com: 10 Web Tips for Entrepreneurs

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One Response to “Is Your Business Online Yet?”

1. Angel says:
   

   Hello, and I really enjoyed the information on this stie. Especially about online business. I have just recently put up my online store on the Internet and I need traffic. Any ideas how to get traffic there without spending hundreds of dollars for a marketing service? I am getting my business cards soon! My website is: AngelSweetBiz.com Anyone want to comment, make suggestions, etc. Please feel free to email me at: a_sundown@hotmail.com Thanks and Happy Holidays!!

   Posted December 9th, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
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