1. Why do Small/Medium Businesses Need a Website?
Should small businesses have a website? Whether your goods or services can be sold online or
not, you still need to have a website. In brief, if you have a business you should have a website.
The reason is simple. Your business should have Internet presence because your potential
customers, investors or business partners can understand more about your business and the types
of products/services you offer. Most customers check out the authenticity of a product or
services online before deciding whether to purchase online or at your store. A point worth
mentioning is the Internet and its technologies, which has leveled the ground for small
businesses to compete with large enterprises. Let’s take a look at why small businesses should
have a website.
• Professional website helps in branding – Your website should look professional. Remember
that the first impression is a lasting impression. A professional website will instill trust in the
potential customers, which will make them wanting to do business with you. Branding is made
possible when your business website is designed and developed by a professional. Online
business brochure helps your potential customers and investors to understand more about your
firm, who you are, the mission and the vision of your business and also how to contact you.
• 24/7 availability of business information - The information about your products and services,
and other relevant details can be available round the clock if you have a website. Keep in mind
that the world is fast becoming a global village where the goods and services are bought and sold
online across continents. These days, yellow pages and business directories are considered as
dead form of advertising by many businesses. Potential customers prefer to search for
information on Google rather than search for the same in the yellow pages.
• Concept of less work = more $ - As your business grows, it is wise to upgrade certain areas of
your business online. Using an online HRM software helps in payroll management and other HR
related activities as the workforce increases. Automating your business will help in cutting down
on certain resources, and it also proves cost effective. Other useful tools which are available
online include marketing and sales, project management tools and invoicing tools. The future of
any business is smart work. Automate your business by leveraging the power of the Internet
tools.
• Reaching out to the masses - Having a website means your business is reaching out to people
across the globe. Today, irrespective of the continental boundaries, people are buying and selling
products/services over the Internet. You can target the desirable demographic market through
Internet.
© 2011 Apptivo Inc. All rights reserved.

2. • Helps in rating your business – The feedback from the customers is necessary to rate where
your business stands in terms of service and quality. A simple online feedback form on your
website will help to receive customer feedback instantly at no cost.
• Virtually inexpensive marketing - Hosting a website is inexpensive. You are sure to benefit
from this platform of online marketing. You can update your website as you bring about changes
to your business. Your website showcases your portfolio and acts as a magnet to attract potential
clients.
In today’s competitive world, website is an integral and very important part of your business. If
you do not have a website, you are simply losing out your business to your competitor. A
website speaks volumes about your business. Therefore, have a professional-looking website and
make it more user-friendly by putting up all the relevant details about your business.
© 2011 Apptivo Inc. All rights reserved.