In today's world, most people EXPECT you to have a web site. When they hear about your company, the first thing many of them do is to look on the internet to see if they can find your website. If you do not have one, they may perceive you to be less credible and may not believe you are a legitimate business. Even worse, they may stumble across your competitors' websites and forget all about you.

If you do not have a website, obviously people cannot visit it. But they CAN visit your competitors' websites! These people are looking for the kind of product or service that YOU provide -- your website showcases your products, your services and your business.  Also, keep in mind that many businesses have not yet established a presence on the web; having a website will most certainly give you the edge over those competitors.

A website need not be a substitute for other advertising media but can work very successfully alongside it to enhance your image. Adding your website address to all your advertisements, business cards, and company literature is a great way to draw potential customers to your company. Providing a website gives people a way to act on your message whenever they hear about you or see an ad for your company. Going to a website is easier and more convenient than writing, visiting a store, or even making a phone call. Customers can get information whenever they want it and don't have to wait for a salesperson to help them. Also, it's often more comfortable to visit a website, because there is no obligation. Visitors don't feel pressured.

Your web site works for you day and night to give you constant coverage. Internet users can access your information regardless of your business hours. You can reach current and potential customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is almost like having an extra business location that is always open!

The information on your website can be quickly and easily updated to include changes to your products, services, pricing, special offers or contact details. These items cannot be easily changed on brochures, flyers, business cards or any other existing print-based advertising medium – they all have to be reprinted.

For many businesses, referrals are a crucial source of new customers. Having a website makes it easy to encourage referrals, because customers can simply send friends and business contacts to your site. Website addresses are easier to remember than phone numbers. Plus, giving people multiple ways of contacting you makes it more likely that they will do so.

A web site can provide all of your contact details, including your email addresses. Many people prefer to make contact via email, as it is quick, easy, cheap and convenient. Your site can even include interactive features, such as feedback forms, customer inquiry forms and even order forms. People can sign up for a mailing list to receive information on your latest products and services.

There are also people who may be interested in what you have to offer, but are not ready to buy right now. You need to stay in contact with them so that you immediately come to mind when they ARE ready. A mailing list is a great way to facilitate this, by periodically sending out promotional emails or a newsletter. Staying in contact keeps your company fresh in visitors' minds.

Selling your products through an online store is often a great way to expand your business. You have a perpetual, easily-accessed storefront--one that costs a fraction of a brick and mortar store and can reach many more people. Effective sales copy can do an incredible job of compelling visitors to click that "buy" button.

Even if you can't sell your products or services directly over the internet, a website is still a powerful asset. It provides an opportunity for you to showcase your products and/or services, encouraging your potential customers a to contact you through your site or visit your "bricks and mortar" store.