Article: 10 Reasons why a Quality Website is Essential for Every Business

1. The potential audience is huge

There are more than 600 million people using the Internet around the world. The potential for marketing your business is enormous, unprecedented, and should be every business's highest priority.

2. New customers and audience previously unreachable

A small mom-and-pop store from any small town can now reach new customers from all around the world. Physical Location is no longer a barrier.

3. The marketing machine is turning 24/7/365

The Internet never sleeps and never shuts down. At every moment during the day there are millions of people surfing the net looking for information, products, entertainment, etc. Be there when they come looking for you.

4. Many research on the web before buying

Thanks to the vast amount of information on the web, consumers are spending more and more time researching products and services on the web before they buy. Get them at the early stages of their search if possible.

5. It's expected

Businesses have always advertised their physical address and phone number. In the late 80's, a fax number became just as important. These days, consumers expect every business to have a website. Don't be left in a state of panic when a potential customer or client asks "So, what's your website url?". "We don't have a website" is no longer acceptable.

6. Contact Information

At a bare minimum, every business should have a web page with their contact information. If someone is looking to get in touch with you, make it easy for him or her to do so.

7. ROI can be high

The cost of a high quality web site can be pretty high depending on the design company, but the costs of not having a quality website are even higher. Many companies see a return on their investment within a few months through new customers and opportunities. After the initial costs, the maintenance of a site is typically inexpensive, but the new visitors keep coming in.

8. Quality sites add credibility

When starting a new business or even growing an old business, it takes time to build up a reputation and gain credibility. With a high quality website, a potential customer assumes the business is legitimate and very serious about what they sell or offer.

9. Your competitors have websites

Don't be the last one among your competition to have a web presence. Build a site that will blow theirs away. If someone is looking for a product or service that you offer, and they find it through one of your competitor sites, you missed a great opportunity.

10. A really bad site can be as bad as no site at all

Just having a website up on the web of course does not guarantee success. Some that have been created in the early days with blinking red text, abundant animated cartoon images, and other cheesy gimmicks can actually negatively tarnish your image. If your site hasn't been updated since the mid 90's or still looks like it hasn't, maybe it's time to get it refaced.