WHY SHOULD A BUSINESS HAVE A WEBSITE?

Written By: Manojkumar Ningwani
Ambassador Consultancy Inc.

Today's businesses are expected to have at least a telephone and fax machine as lifelines thrown out to the outside world. With the emergence of trade globalisation and fiercer competition, many business owners have not seriously considered investing in a website, which can pay tremendous long-term dividends and returns.

Here are five benefits in having a website for your business:

1. Professional image: An attractive website portrays a positive image for your business. It can show that your company is on the cutting edge and is well established. A website that is easy to navigate and visually appealing is more likely to see repeat visitors. These visitors will feel more comfortable making purchases from your business.
2. Information about your company: A website is more than a Yellow Pages Directory. It can provide all and more of the following information about your company such as its opening hours, location, products and services, contact information, and methods of payment.
3. Answering frequently asked questions: Websites can answer the questions your existing or potential customers would frequently ask about your products or services. Many websites have "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) for potential customers or clients, (e.g. www.2co.com, www.cariblist.com). FAQs can also provide more time for customer service staff to focus on more critical aspects of your business.
4. Low cost advertising: Advertising through a website can be a cost effective marketing tool. It gives the flexibility of displaying a reasonable amount of information without an increase in cost. Pictures, product images, promotion details, videos can all be displayed cost effectively on a website. A business can maximize its marketing results and revenue by effectively utilizing its website, so that more detailed information can be provided about products and services.
5. Appealing to international customers: With tourism being one of the main engines powering the Barbadian economy, a lot of businesses will most likely have regional and international customers. Tourists, who read about your products and services, are more likely to approach your business as compared to one, which is without a website.

The Internet is fast becoming an effective and recognised marketing communications tool. If your business is already appearing in the newspaper, yellow pages, radio, or television, why not consider the Internet to supplement the reach to your market?