OrganizedArticles.com

By Janet Barclay, MVA

Although more and more small businesses are online every day, there are still some business owners who don’t think they need a website, because they only provide services locally and not globally.

Keep in mind that over 70% of the population in Canada and the USA are Internet users, and for an increasing number of people, the Internet is the first place – if not the only place – they look for information. Therefore, if you do not have a website, you may be overlooked by prospective clients or media contacts seeking experts to interview.

“Customers and other people who come in contact with your home business expect to find reputable businesses on the Web, so don’t risk your credibility by not being present.”

- Home Business Magazine, October 2003

That’s right - it’s a question of credibility. These days, you may not be taken seriously if you don’t have a website for your business. Don’t make the mistake of letting your child design your website because he or she learned a little bit about it in school one day. Your business is not a class project; it is your livelihood, and although it doesn’t have to be huge or elaborate, it should be professional and represent your company effectively.

Having a website to showcase your products or describe your services can actually save you a great deal of time. Providing answers to the questions you are asked most often will cut down on the time you have to spend responding to those very questions. Depending on the nature of your business, this may include credentials, company policies, costs, hours of operation, location, or other information. This may mean that you won’t receive as many inquiries, but the individuals who do contact you are far more likely to be serious about doing business with you.

In addition, when your information changes, it’s much quicker and more cost effective to update your website (or have your website manager make the change) than to throw away expensive brochures because you no longer offer a particular product or service or you have a new telephone number.

Being listed in online directories is better than not having an online presence at all, but it’s far more effective to have your own website. Most people don’t want to waste time calling around to comparison shop – they would rather gather as much information as possible online, and THEN decide who to contact. If they are “surfing” outside of your regular business hours, they may have already made a buying decision before they have an opportunity to speak with you. An effective website can work for you around the clock and put you on a level playing field with your competition.

About the Author

Janet Barclay, Master Virtual Assistant and owner of Organized Assistant, provides administrative assistance and website services to coaches, professional organizers and other small business clients. Learn more by visiting her website www.organizedassistant.com and her blog www.janetbarclay.com. To receive monthly tips for Maximizing Your Time and Space, request a subscription to her ezine, The Organized Assistant Resource.