Why should companies have a website?

For a company may be difficult to measure sales growth due to investment in a website. The chances that you are going to attract major new sales through the Internet are rather slim. Managers do not usually find new vendors by making a Google search. But his employees may.

Forceful reasons to invest in a business website:

1. Statistics - on average, 48.1% of Europe's population use the internet and this figure is rising. Don't get left behind: owning a website would expose your business to these internet users (stats by www.internetworldstats.com).

2. Generation of consumer interest - even though we have agreed that the majority of the companies do not make vendor selections based on Google searches, you cannot rule out the possibility that an employee of the company might make some initial searches on the internet to research information and find potential vendors. It makes sense to put a quality website in place for them.

3. Trust building - represents the main reason for having a web site for your company. In these days your business cannot afford not having a website because, if so, it could give the impression of being a fly-by-night operation. Furthermore, an unprofessionally designed website, might suggest to your clients that you are in financial trouble since you don't seem to have enough funds to spend on a website. On the other hand, it is recommended to add lots of information about your products and services but especially about your success stories (case studies, testimonials from past clients, etc) in order to impress your possible clients and earn credibility.

Your website sends out a powerful message about your profile and your services. Besides that, having a great website makes you feel proud of your company.

4. Email addresses - along your website you'll get email addresses for your business. In comparison to free email service such as Yahoo Mail or Gmail, a personalized email address will enhance your credibility. Plus, your personalized email address will become a reference to your business website.

5. Company brochure - a website acts as your always-updated brochure (a reference for your company profile, product or service offerings) which is available at all times for your potential and current customers. In contrast to a company brochure, a website can convey more information which can be updated frequently. Just how much money is spent each year on printing the company brochure, the financial statement or the catalog? All of these could be published on your website at a fraction of the cost and updated more frequently than once a year or once a quarter.

6. Be open for business 24/7 - your website works 24 hours a day, 365 days per year which means your store always stays open. Your physical office or store won't register lowered sales because of those clients seeking information when the shop is closed. Forms, an e-mail link, and a phone number listed on your website permit a client to leave a message or an order so that your staff is allowed to respond the next business day.

7. Branding - your website contributes to brand building. Your website should fit in with your corporate branding and reinforce the corporate image - but not to the detriment of usability and functionality of your website. That is why a professional web design company is essential for designing your website.

8. Enhanced business relationships - your website could contain information related to other businesses your clients might show interest for. This could work as a service exchange: both of your companies would gain good reputation. Introducing a referral fee could also bring you financial advantages.

9. Improved communication and efficiency - corporate communication with actual and potential clients can be maintained through a website via mailing lists and newsletters. Keeping in touch with your current and former clients will increase your sales so it is essential to continuously send them product release notifications and special offers.

Are you tired of answering the same questions about your business over and over again? Make use of your website to answer the most frequently asked questions - your customers will surely appreciate the information provided. To improve efficiency of your customer-vendor relationship, share your stock levels with your customers through your website and set up an online ordering system.

10. Contact information - display a map of your business location: sometimes, the hardest part of all is reaching you.