1. To spread the word
Millions of people have access to the World Wide Web, and the number is growing every day. When people want information today, they reach for their web browser.
2. Cost Effective
Utilizing the Internet is a cost-effective approach to reaching a large number of people that are interested in your product or service.
3. To Serve Your Public
A website allows you to provide instant responses to your customers' questions. What is the range of your products and services, what are normal hours; do you provide on-site estimates, etc.?
4. Create 365/24 Service
A website allows you to be in business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Potential customers may learn about you anytime.
5. Advertise
Your website can act as a billboard or business card. Anyone traveling the information highway can see your billboard. And they can take the information and save it, print it and pass it around like a business card.
6. Reach New Markets
Your website, or a portion of it, can be easily customized to attract any market. You can concentrate on local areas, go national or even global. You can go for niche markets, such as sports, collectibles, high tech, etc.
7. Sell Your Product
The World Wide Web provides another avenue for businesses to sell products and services. Today's technology allows for secure transactions over the Internet. It can be safer than handing your credit card over to a complete stranger in a restaurant.
8. Make Changes Available Quickly
In life and in business, things change every day. Prices, schedules, availability, specifications, requirements and regulations are only a few examples. With a website, these changes can be posted almost immediately. Your site visitors will be notified much sooner than if they had to wait for printed materials.
9. Gather Information From Your Visitors
What do visitors to your website have to say about you? How do they perceive your products and services? What would they like to see from your company? The list goes on and on. Whatever you want to know, you can ask.
10. Stay Competitive
If you're in business, you have competition. Do your competitors have websites?
Ashley,
I agree with all your points, but I would like to add one more...get appointments.
Hi Ashley,
Welcome to Active Rain! The opportunities to learn and network are incredible here. Best of luck to ya!
-Keith
Yes, I agree with you Erin! I think that is part of the reason our site has expanded the way it has. Every new word on EnvisionYourWebsite.com that we think the client may not know enough about can be clicked on where it leads them to a deeper explanation of the terminology. To some it may seem repetitive but for others it is crucial.
Real estate websites work a little different and getting the appointment is really the first step to selling your service. I hear many agents say that getting the appointment is the toughest part of the job and once they can put their expertise and knowlege in front of the prospective lister/buyer the sale is made by years of practicing the pitch. A website can help by giving prosects, as well as clients, access to search the MLS. I think a realtor that has a site lacking IDX functionality is seriously missing out on leads in today's market.