Frequently Asked Questions

Should my business have a website?

Yes, if you have a business, you should have a website. Period. No question. Without a doubt. However, It’s not enough that you just have a website. You must have a professional-looking site if you want to be taken seriously. Since many consumers now search for information online prior to making a purchase at an actual store, your site may be the first chance you have at making a good impression on a potential buyer. In short, if you want more customers, you should be online, regardless of your industry.

Also, would you consider NOT listing your business in the yellow pages?  If the answer is no, then you may also need a website simply to maintain a corporate presence and make yourself accessible to your clients. Unlike an actual store, a website can have its doors open 24/7. Unlike a brochure or magazine advertisement, a website can be relied on for the most up-to-date information.

Lastly, would you rely on a single brochure to drive all of your sales?  Probably not, but used in conjunction with a great sales team and an integrated marketing campaign it can be a useful tool. The same applies for a website. It can easily become your most powerful customer management and sales tool – after your own staff, of course.

What can a website do for me?

• Create a corporate presence – if you are a large company clients would expect to be able to find out about you online
• Sell products directly to the public
• Generate and qualify leads
• Gather feedback to help you improve your product or service
• Compete with big business
• Extend your trading hours
• Expand your market
• Save time by answering common questions online

How can a website save me money?

• Your business is open 24/7 and you’re not paying anyone wages. You don’t have to worry about them being rude, not showing up for work, taking breaks or lunch and you don’t have to worry about theft.
• You have menus, brochures or a catalog without paying for publishing or mailing costs. And that they can be updated without paying for a complete reprinting and new mailing costs.
• You save time by posting a FAQ page. So you or an employee does not spend time answering standard questions. And time is money.
• A properly setup website will also save you on advertising costs such as yellow page listings. Instead of paying for a large ad, you have the basic along with your website address, now you have that large ad without spending the extra cost.
• You now have a storefront without the cost of rent and the other bills that tie into owning a store.

Do I need my own domain name?

Yes, it helps! I don’t think I’m the only online shopper who feels reassured by “real” business Web addresses. I’ve recently bought several gifts from an online company with a “no name” URL, and I’m wondering if the products will really arrive. A strong, easily recognized Web address is affordable for even the smallest business.

Will I be able to keep my email address?

If you are running a small business, it’s a great idea to set up an e-mail address that uses your business Web address. When you send messages to potential clients, to your bank or to suppliers, davesmith@smithcustomcabinets.com looks far more professional than davesmith@aol.com. We can set up your new web address to forward to any address you would like.

Should I use pictures on my website?

Absolutely! You wouldn’t send out a marketing brochure that’s all words and no pictures. So why do so many companies create Web pages without graphics or photos of any sort? If a single picture paints a thousand words, use a judicious number of them on your Web site to communicate volumes. Photos of your store or office, your products, your employees — these images make your business feel “real” to online visitors.

Should I put my phone number on my website?

Definitely! Don’t forget to put your phone number prominently on your website. Many small-business executives have said the way their Web site is most frequently used is a customer looking at it while calling the company. Unless you are working out of your home, it’s also a good idea to put your mailing address on the site. It adds to the comfort level of knowing you are a “real” business.

Do I say what my business does?

Yes. Sounds like another no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many small business websites leave you looking at them for minutes while pondering, “What do these folks do?”   The front or home page of your website should include a short statement of your business mission. Consider augmenting that statement with a photo or graphic that makes it clear what you do.