OK, I thought, in a sales situation - it is normal to have to prove to a customer what a product (web site) can do for their business. After all, if a business is going to spend money on a web presence, what will the return on investment be? A logical question for any purchase.
• I've been in business for a long time and am doing fine
• I'm the only game in town
• My customers don't use the internet for this type of thing
• I'm already on restaurant.com (or other group business site)
• I am just starting my business and it is on my list
• I don't have the money right now
Why is this perception out there? Is it because the businesses are based in a smaller town? Do they dislike me as a salesperson? Or, do I need to describe the market and business reasons behind a web site / web presence?
I'm going with the latter! Here are my top 5 (yes, there are more!) market and business reasons behind a web site / web presence:
• Your competitors have one - A web site is a simple way to get into the game and play at the same level as your competition no matter the size of your business
• Your customers are looking for your web site (even if you don't know it) - This is a customer behavior pattern . . . period
• Your customers will become involved in your business including adding other social media tools such as facebook / twitter / etc. Customers love to be involved, hear things first and first hand, share with others and interact with you
• It strengthens your credibility - Having a well-designed, professional website (this is key!) will give your business a credible presence and will increase the trust that customers have in you
• It is working 24/7 for your business
References
USAtoday.com; entrepreneur.com; wordpress.com; restaurant.com; restaurantreport.com; cnn.com; bigmarketingsmallbusiness.com
This is so true. It's frustrating in this day and age not to be able to find information about a business on the internet. Having a website is so basic. I think that it's one of the first things a new business should do.
ReplyDeleteRegarding restaurants and web sites / social media etc . . . take a look at the onmedia report with Tim Cusprin. Tim talks with Joe Sorge of AJ Bombers about their success with social media.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8dxIoNyCqE