1. Far cheaper and more flexible than print advertising
Advertising on the internet is very different from print. Space costs much less, your message stays available for far longer, you can change the content yourself without asking anyone else (if your site uses a content management system), and you can reach a much wider audience.
That doesn’t mean you should stop using other kinds of advertising. Use them to encourage people to visit your website, find out about your company and start a conversation with your sales team.
2. A bigger market
The internet lets businesses break through geographical barriers. Anyone with an internet connection, in almost any country, can find you and look at what you offer.
3. Open 24/7, 365 days a year
No more turning customers away at closing time, putting up a “closed for the holiday” sign or leaving a recorded message listing your opening hours. Instead, point people to your website for the information they need, at any time.
4. More credibility
A website gives you the chance to tell potential customers who you are and why they can trust you. Many people now research online before they buy, to decide for themselves whether a supplier or brand is worth their money and won’t let them down. The internet also makes word of mouth travel faster: happy visitors share your website with others, so your customers do some of your marketing for you.
5. Help customers find your office or shop
Getting lost on the way to a business is frustrating. Put a simple map on your website showing directions and landmarks, so customers can find your shop or office easily.
You can also use your website to promote offers that bring people to your premises (for example, “available at a branch near you”). And if you move, you don’t have to wait for printed directories to catch up: you can update your contact details on your website straight away and lower the risk of losing customers during the move.
6. Room to grow
A website is a great place to send potential investors, to show them what your company does, what it has achieved and what it can achieve in the future.