All Businesses Need Presence On The Web

Back in 2002 the founder of Microsoft made the prediction that eventually there will be two type of businesses. Those that have a web presence and those that have no business. While many scoffed at the notion that every business would need to have an internet address, his prediction may not have been too far from the truth. As more and more people looking for solutions to a variety of problems, one of the first places they go for information is the internet.

 

Even businesses that do not sell anything online can benefit from having their own website. Although their customer base may be limited to only a few miles from their physical location, when people begin looking on the internet for the products or services the company does offer, if the location is not found online, or is not listed in internet phone books, their potential for gaining new customers is limited.

 

Relying on reputation and word of mouth advertising may provide limited exposure, but in order to take advantage of the internet, a website will be needed by virtually everyone conducting business, regardless of where. For those who doubt their future may be at stake, they are advised to consider the last time they registered for information or for a prize at a local event. Nearly every entry form now has space for an email address and some ask for the homepage address.

 

In many industries a location online is just as important as the traditional brick and mortar locations as it provides another means for customers to find out what the business offers and how it can help them. Businesses in the trades industry, such as home improvement industry or home repair may have trouble understanding the importance of having an internet location, but when customer need a plumber, electrician or carpenter, one of the first resources they tap is an internet search engine.

 

They are correct in their assessment that they will never sell anything over the internet and have no reason to have a website. However, potential customers may want some basic information about the company such as how long they have been in business and what their specialties may be before sitting on the telephone and making a lot of calls. The website can also have a contact page with which customers can send inquiries about specific services that may no be listed on any of the industry websites.

 

Many customers today use the internet for comparing services, not just prices and being able to find a business and know what it can offer them is important to many people. Businesses without a website or internet email address may be missing a large segment of society that counts on search results to meet a large portion of their needs. Businesses with a special niche in an industry can vastly benefit from having their own internet location as they will quickly found by individuals searching for that unique service, which without a website would continue to go unnoticed, hoping someone calls them.