You need a reason for a web site?

Talk to any business on the internet, particularly if their business involves the internet and you'll find someone who finds it hard to believe that anyone might not want to be on the web. These are the "glass half full" people - and I admit I'm one of them. An optimist from day one, but I believe that it is a really good idea even after I calm down. Here are ten reasons (hopefully sane ones) why I think so. If you have any questions about these, please call at (210) 415-9271 or contact us via our web form. We'd be glad to talk with you about your personal reasons for being or perhaps not being on the web.

1. To Save Money

Storefronts, advertising, printing costs, postage – it all comes out of your pocket. With a website – you get the “store” without the real estate! Lose the unneeded overhead by selling on-line. A brochure on the web is immediately current, easily changed to fit your market and your customers print their own. Postage costs are also reduced, since your brochure is already in your prospects hands. Create efficiency by reaching more people for less money.

2. Level The Playing Field

The Internet provides equal access to it users, whether you are a small business, organization or a Fortune 500 firm. You’ve got talent and the know-how, but still lose out to larger businesses, maybe even ones with less ability? It’s often because that larger company presents a more “professional” image. With a website, you can do this, too. Offering your product or service professionally online could be just the right thing to give you the edge!

3. Low Cost Advertising

Where do you advertise? The costs associated with traditional advertising, such as direct mail campaigns, magazine or newspaper ads, and certainly radio and television cost many times over what a web site does. Ever want to change an ad after it’s in place? On your website, it is easy, immediate, and inexpensive. Your website is a great supplement to any traditional marketing campaign.

4. Get Immediate Feedback

Ever wonder what went wrong with a certain ad or brochure? Why you didn’t get any calls? Marketing says to “try, try again”, but each “try” comes out of your pocket. Your web site would provide instantaneous feedback from your customers, through customer surveys, contact forms, and discussion areas. And you can respond back to them through e-mail at no extra cost.

5. 24-Hour Availability Every Day

The time of day does not matter. With a web site your products, services and information are available to anyone with Internet access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ever remember too late to call long distance, aggravating, right? We're not all on the same schedule. Business is worldwide but your office hours aren't. But your web site can serve your partners and customers when they need service.

6. Product and Service Demonstrations

Got a great product? Know that if people see it work, they’ll just love it?  Can’t figure out how to get that into a brochure? Your website can make use of sound, pictures, even movies and three-dimensional displays to get your idea across to your customers. Multimedia presentations allow you to provide your customers with an in-depth, interactive experience with your products and services.

7. Customer Coupons at Zero Cost to You

Give your customers an extra incentive to visit your store or purchase from your web site, by providing them with "coupons" and information about ongoing sales through your web site. Your customers can simply print the your coupons off the Internet on their own paper. You get great coverage without any printing or postage costs.

8. Build a Customer/User Database

With a web site, you can build a customer database to save contact and demographic information about people who visit your web site. This information can be used to prospect for new business. You can also set up an opt-in e-mail newsletter to stay in contact with your customers and drive repeat business. E-mail advertising and newsletters to “opt-in” customers are quick, cost-effective and have proven to drive repeat sale

9. Your Clients Expect It

Do you sell fish tanks, lawn maintenance service, food, flying lessons, widgets? You may think that the Internet is just not a good choice for your business. Well, think again. With millions of users on the Internet, even the smallest interest group will be represented in large numbers. Since the Web has several very good search programs, people interested in your product or service will be able to find you – or your competitors. No matter what you sell or where you are, if the your clients have internet access, you should be there too.

10. Your Competitors Have One

Why should you have a website now? Because if you don’t have one, your competition probably will! It just makes sense. Having a website is a very affordable and effective means of providing potential customers with information about your products or services. As more and more businesses get online, those who don't are putting themselves at a serious competitive disadvantage.

Conclusion

Of course these are only a few of the reasons why a web site could be a good choice for you. For a better understanding of what a web site can do for you and your company, one based on your unique requirements, contact RAS Interactive at 210 415-9271 or through the web