Moving Online: Is it Worth it for Every Business?

10 hours ago, in Business

It seems that just about every business is moving online. With increasing numbers of people relying on the Internet to find information, many businesses are building an Internetpresence. If you haven?t already done so, it may be because you?re wondering whether the move is worth it. We look at some of the pros and cons of moving online.

Is a Website a Good Investment?

A website can cost less than what it takes to set up your IT system and business phones, yet a website can help you grow your business in a variety of ways. The short answer is that when done well, your business website can be a great investment.

(i) Advantages of Having a Website

• Wide and targeted reach ? Can you think of any other marketing channel that allows you to reach virtually anyone in the world, without incremental costs of delivering your marketing message? A website empowers businesses with a global reach. With the right content, SEO strategy, and/or paid advertising, you can target special niche markets or consumer groups.
• Universal point of access ? A website can prove to be enormously convenient for your business, giving you a universal point of access with customers and suppliers alike. You can link to your website on your business cards, direct marketing materials, paid online advertisements, information brochures, and any other type of marketing content.
• Cost-effective marketing channel ? A website isn?t a passive channel that?s accessed by customers; it?s really a two-way channel. A website can be one of the cheapest ways to boost your brand and distribute information and marketing content.

The reach is unlimited and global, and the cost of the distribution process can be minimal. Businesses can end up saving on their overall marketing expenses.

• Customer expectation ? Many consumers will expect a business they?re buying from to have an Internet presence. If your customers can?t access ?Internet proof? or ?social proof? through a website or a social media account, they may be less inclined to see your business as being a transparent one.

They couldalso be less inclined to trust you and buy from you. So having your own website is an opportunity for you to meet customer expectations and establish credibility online.

• 24-hour access ? A website gives your customers 24-hour access to your business and product information. Businesses can also provide a variety of customer care and service facilities through their websites for customers around the world, with tools such as live chat, troubleshooting forums and automated messages.

(ii) Potential Disadvantages of Having a Website

If there are any disadvantages in having a business website, they?re probably those associated with expectations of the website owner. Quality websites require technical expertise to set up, and they should be maintained on a regular basis for best results.

• Technical knowledge ? Building a unique and appealing website does require a level of technical knowledge, and quality website design is a must if you want to make the right impressiononcustomers. For businesses in e-commerce,website design services are also recommended. However, this is not a disadvantage in itself, as it means your website design team takes care of everything for your business, saving you time and allowing you to access their expertise.
• Maintenance ? The best websites tend to be updated on a regular basis, with new content and information. You?ll also have staff respond to online queries. This is important if you?re interested in continued engagement with customers. Ongoing maintenance does not need to be difficult if you obtain professional assistance and train your staff to field online queries.

Source: http://www.futurehousenow.com/moving-online-worth-business/

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