Today, more and more consumers use the internet to search for the products or services they need. That is why most business owners at some point in time ask themselves, if it would be beneficial to get a professional website. You may just be starting up or you only have a small shop or work as a freelance professional. Here are 7 considerations why having a professional website could be a good option for you.
In this first article, we will address various quality aspects that are relevant in the software domain. For software companies, these are vital aspects to address while building their products. For any organization that acquires software to support its business processes, the topic is of equal importance. You may have to choose between various vendors to provide you with accounting, payroll or, ERP system or build a tailor-made web application or mobile app for your organization. Do not only look at its purchasing costs but also have a closer look at the quality of the software.
BY A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION YOUR BUSINESS GAINS CREDIBILITY
Nowadays having a website can be compared with being properly dressed and showing up timely for an appointment. It is the first impression that tells your new customer that you are serious and reliable. In particular if you have a new or small business, you will gain credibility by having a website.
Actually without one, potential customers may go to your competitors that do! If you already have a website but it is “home-made” or more than 5 years old, having it professionally redesigned will provide your business with the professional image which will inspire even greater confidence. For home-based businesses, this is particularly beneficial since you do not have a store front to promote your products or services.
A WEBSITE SAVES YOU MONEY
As a business owner you probably think you can’t afford a professional website, but the truth is, you can’t afford NOT to. Although the cost of designing a website varies, once it’s up and running, a website for a small business generally costs you not more than Ghc.700, compared with the cost of a newspaper ad or bill board, it is a very cost effective way to promote your business.
A WEBSITE HELPS YOU TO KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS INFORMED
Think of your website as being your online brochure or catalogue. It is much easier and quicker to update information about your products and services on your website than in print material, making it an effective way of letting your customers know about the arrival of new products, upcoming events, special promotions, or any new services you now offer. Unlike print ads which quickly become outdated, your website can provide current information and news. And you can easily link your website news to social media to regularly remind people of your business and create a constant flow of advertising, all at the same cost.
A WEBSITE IS ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE
Independent of business opening hours, your website is available to both your regular and potential customers 24/7 providing them with the convenience of reviewing your products and services. With today’s busy lifestyles, this is a great selling point when making a purchase decision.
A WEBSITE MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO TARGET A LARGER GEOGRAPHIC MARKET
Whether you provide products or services, your website will provide an alternative location to sell them. As a retailer, a web shop is a great place to sell your products; even services can be made available globally. You may think selling online does not suit your business? We challenge you to check the internet and may find others in the world who are in your industry and you will be surprised by online services that already exist!
A WEBSITE PROVIDES A MEDIUM ON WHICH TO SHOWCASE YOUR WORK
No matter what type of business you’re in, a website is a great place to showcase your work. By including a portfolio or image gallery, as well as testimonials about your work, you can demonstrate what makes your business the place to go.
A WEBSITE IMPROVES CUSTOMER SERVICE
Maybe you sell beauty products and would like to share tips on how to apply them, or perhaps you’re an accountant and want to give your clients advice on how to simplify their bookkeeping practices. By including a FAQ page, adding articles or uploading newsletters you can keep them up-to-date. You can provide your customers with value added service by sharing this kind of information on your website.
Diana is a board member of Maxim Nyansa IT solutions foundation in Accra (www.maximnyansa.com) and sales director at Trinity Software Center in Kumasi (www.trinitysoftwarecenter.com).
