Build a Website for Your Small Business in Minutes

Nearly twenty percent of American businesses still don’t have a website, according to recent study completed by Ad-ology, an online analytics firm. That number has improved in recent years. But one group continues to lag when it comes to establishing an online presence. We are speaking, of course, about small businesses. Only around half of them have a website! How is this possible?

When asked why they don’t have website, most small business owners answer that they don’t need one. Many mistakenly believe that the only purpose or function of a website is to sell products and services to online buyers. It is a logical inference to make. Let’s say, for example, that you own a restaurant in a small town. You obviously aren’t going to send orders through the mail, so why would you need a website?

Times have changed

Before the advent of the internet, people used telephone directories (also known as the Yellow Pages) to help them find local businesses. These hefty tomes took up a lot of room in cabinets and on shelves, but they were the only way to find the telephone numbers and addresses of specific businesses. Though they are still printed, the internet pretty much eliminated the need for telephone directories. In fact, the Yellow Pages now runs a popular directory online!

A company that does not have a website is practically invisible in the internet era. A potential customer may be able to find their phone number or even their address after a few searches, but they won’t be able to learn much more about them. A website gives small businesses the opportunity to put their best foot forward and tell interested customers what they do and why they should stop in.

Communication

Social media has revealed one simple and enduring truth about modern man—we all want to be kept in the loop! This goes double for customers. They want and expect to be able to contact a business 24/7. A website never closes. Potential customers can submit questions and a website owner can answer them anytime of the day or night. Websites are also an easy and affordable way to let customers know about daily or weekly specials or sales. There is no need to print up pricy flyers or coupons if you have a functioning website.

Lost Costs

Most big businesses have incredibly intricate and sophisticated websites that offer dozen of different features that were developed by professional website designers. These sites cost thousands, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars to complete. But a regular website for a small business costs a fraction of that price, thanks to new technologies and website builder software. What is it?

Anyone who has a computer and access to the internet can build a website in a snap on the internet. You don’t have to know about graphic design, computer programming, or html. Service providers have already done all of the heavy lifting for you. All you have to do is fill in the blanks and personalize your website.

The Total Package

Because every company needs a website, countless companies offer website builder software that is affordable and easy to use. But not all of them give their clients everything they will ever need to build a website for one low price. Many of them charge extra for features they know you might need in the future. Therefore, it is always a good idea to find a provider that offers all of the features you will need in a single package, including web hosting, shopping cart, ecommerce, and much, much more.