Until a few years ago, running a brick and mortar store didn’t have much to do with the Internet. Some business owners may have used emails a bit and others might have used the internet to source products and competitors. Most were content to leave the Internet to the tech gurus and carry on running their business in the ‘real’ world.
That is a world long gone. Competition has risen sharply, new business avenues have opened up, and an increasing number of people are taking up entrepreneurship. Needless to say, no small business owner can now afford to ignore the Internet. If you are one of those people still looking for a reason to launch a business website, here are a few for your consideration:
Potential Growth
Alright, so you haven’t thought of expanding your business. You’re content with your local clientele and don’t want to draw new audience. You think your business is going steady and investing in the internet isn’t worth the effort. You just might be sabotaging yourself here. While starting a new website can be a bit of a hassle, it can also be a boon.
You might not know it, but majority of your customers use the internet for local business knowledge. They look for local restaurants, grocery stores, etc, on the internet. The chances are high that if they spot and browse your website, they might just visit your store that same day and make a purchase. You’re denying yourself some welcome revenue.
Keeping up with the Times
You might be content with your current customers and revenue, but as a businessman, you know that can change. As we mentioned before, there’s a great growth in competition. Soon, people with websites would start getting noticed over you. By not creating your own presence online, you’re letting other people occupy that space.
You might not feel the effects of that now, but you will later on. For long term success of your business, it’s vital to keep up with the times. It’s best that you start establishing your business online now, because who knows just how the market would change in the future?
Get the Edge
An online presence would allow you to get an edge over your competition. As we mentioned before, most of your customers are likely to look online for reviews about a particular establishment. If you have a solid online presence, it’s very likely that your business would be chosen over your competitor’s. If you’re nearly invisible online, you’ll start to lose business eventually as other people venture into the virtual world.
Added Revenue
There is a question of increased revenue. An online presence can drastically increase the cash flow if you play your cards right. Eventually, you’ll notice that an increasing number of customers are walking through your doors. If you already have an established presence in the real world, you have an advantage.
For example, if the locals consider you to be a great pizza place, they’re going to comment about it on the net. That would bring more foot traffic into your doors and more revenue.
If you’re convinced you need a website, you can start looking by browsing through the Hotfrog US Web Designer page. You’re sure to find someone that addresses your needs.
