The internet has taken over our lives with a vengeance, and has changed the way many of us do business. More and more consumers are now doing their shopping online and, unfortunately, some business owners have felt the pinch.
But there are many small businesses that have been virtually unaffected by the internet boom. Those professionals in the more service-oriented fields - veterinarians, chiropractors, beauticians, dentists and more - do almost all of their work in what's now affectionately know as the brick-and-mortar business, and as such can never be fully replaced by internet technology.
However, many of these businesses, from tiny mom-and-pop stores to small health care centers - have yet to merge onto the information highway, and it's costing them plenty; of customers, that is.
That's because, although traditional advertising (phone books, flyers, radio ads, etc.) are still widely used, there is no doubt that the most effective advertising now takes place online.
As our society becomes increasingly computer-savvy, consumers are turning more and more to the internet for information and advice on where to do their business. Your potential customers would much rather type your business name into a search engine than ferret out your phone number in some ratty, old phonebook.
And who can blame them?
On the web, your potential clients can find out your hours and location 24/7, get a feel for your business philosophies and practices and can learn about your services and pricing without having to listen to annoying hold music or endless phone menus. Even better, they can get all the information they need at their own pace, taking breaks to feed the cat and burp the baby as needed.
Of course, they can't do any of the above unless your small business has its own website, preferably with a recognizable domain name (http://YourBusinessName.com) and Search Engine Optimization, which makes your business easier to find on the vast world wide web. Now that so many consumers are turning to the internet to find the services they need, it's imperative that your small business has the same (or better) web presence than that of your competitors.
Luckily, web design now comes in all flavors and sizes, so you won't have to look far to find a designer and a site that's right or you.
Often a simple one-page website is enough for very small businesses; hours, location, contact information and basic services can all be presented in a professional way for your prospective customers. A medical professional may require more pages; perhaps choosing to explain particular procedures and detailing insurance information. And some small businesses prefer to put everything online, from articles and interactive forms to detailed descriptions of their personal business philosophies.
No matter which design and options you choose, your website will reassure and impress potential consumers, leading them directly to your brick-and-mortar door, and leaving you to concentrate on what you do best; running your small business.
About The Author
Kelly Kyrik is the owner of Tech-Know-Girl Web Design - http://www.tech-know-girl.com - which provides custom designed websites to meet all your small business needs. She can be reached at http://www.tech-know-girl.com or toll-free at 1-877-554-6500.
residential cleaning services Lincolnshire ..It amazes me how many people try to build serious... Read More
What do you mean, you don't have a website for... Read More
Optimal website design is the art of logical navigation.It will... Read More
After deciding what kind of internet business you want to... Read More
A website is lifeline of internet home business. In order... Read More
The first step in setting up an online business...Starting an... Read More
In about the Time it takes to Watch a Reality... Read More
--------------------------------Why Should You Create a website?--------------------------------A. What do you want... Read More
You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print,... Read More
Design and layout can make your communication come alive and... Read More
I've heard several prominent web marketers mention in their classes... Read More
Web templates by nature are created to aid and ease... Read More
I recently helped my mom to launch a website (www.mom2me.com)... Read More
There are hundreds of millions of Web surfers today. Each... Read More
There's been widespread speculation about the new legislation being introduced... Read More
Writing for the web is totally different to writing for... Read More
No matter what browser you may want to use, you... Read More
Now that you have got your domain name registered, your... Read More
Your content is what gets you in search engines, speaks... Read More
1. Choose a big enough font size. A size 12... Read More
Why do some sites succeed while the vast majority of... Read More
A website lets you put your products in front of... Read More
What is SQL? SQL stands for Structured Query Language and... Read More
"I don't sell anything online, I don't advertise online, in... Read More
I'm one of those people that always wanted a website,... Read More
best cleaning company Highland Park ..If one more business owner tells me their website sucks... Read More
When most people build a web site, they think one... Read More
In a previous ezinearticles.com article,"I Need real visitors, Not Search... Read More
The DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) states that service providers must... Read More
Are you aware that 90% of the websites on the... Read More
Have you ever wondered what challenges are faced by other... Read More
A website lets you put your products in front of... Read More
Can you imagine the hypocrisy of spending thousands of dollars,... Read More
A company must earn and keep trust or sales don't... Read More
It is an undeniable fact that not everybody is keen... Read More
What happened on your website yesterday? What about last week... Read More
"'Page Not Found' on this Server. Check the URL and... Read More
Internet has opened a whole new world for web developers... Read More
A professional online reputation is essential to the flourishing of... Read More
A common dilemma most small and medium businesses face when... Read More
When you publish a content site there are times when... Read More
Running an effective website is a continuous process. I have... Read More
The Internet car buyer is an elusive animal. Trying to... Read More
It may come as some surprise to a traditionally off-line... Read More
1) Word of Mouth The single most powerful form of... Read More
One of my most salient memories from when I sold... Read More
What you should do and know if you are an... Read More
Better Web Site ROIHow to increase your business profitability by... Read More
Spend time planning your Web site. Before you design a... Read More
Launching a new small business website is often a long... Read More
Web Development |