SHARE WITH OTHERS

I have a cell phone plan that allows me the freedom to, well, just about call or text anyone in my local area on an unlimited basis. I have two strong legs that allow me the ability to walk and visit friends, family and all my favourite businesses up along Yonge Street in beautiful Toronto. I solemnly swear however that when I need to find information about a product or service the internet is my first stop, whether it’s on my mac or my smartphone. And that goes for everything, no exceptions. If I haven’t used your product or service before than your website is my first impression of your business and likely my first point of customer service. If I don’t find your business, aside from fuming out of frustration, I simply choose the next best looking thing: your competitor. This is a good example of why you need a website and it seems there are quite a few business owners that hold different ideas. Let’s debunk these myths!

MYTH: I don’t use a computer or the internet so I don’t need a website

Just because you are invisible on the internet doesn’t mean your business should be. Millions of people are online searching for businesses, just like yours, every day. Are you invisible or are you findable? To be represented online you don’t need the internet or a computer at all! Your website is hosted on a server which is up and running 24/7! The truth is even without a computer or regular use of the internet you can have a functional, and simple website that provides customers and potential consumers with information they may be looking for…online. In fact, we can build one for you in minutes and you don’t have to be an web wiz to make changes to it!

MYTH: I don’t need a website for my products/services

Unless you know the billions of consumers online personally, I can assure you that regardless of your product or service, if you are to be seen as a professional YOU NEED A WEBSITE. Just as flipping through a phone book used to seem the natural procedure for locating a local number, today instead it is a quick scan on a search of your businesses name. A consumer can search for your plumbing services in Huntsville, ON and either find you…or someone else. At the very least, think of it from your customers’ standpoint. Do you want to provide them with all the information about your business, right from their home? As trivial or insignificant your product or service may seem online, it is crucial nonetheless to have an online presence. We pull the info directly from your ad, so your products and services are automatically added!

MYTH: I don’t have enough content
While this may seem like a probable assumption – stop and think about it for a minute. Is there really little to nothing to say about your business? Even after comprehensive descriptions of products, services and contact information, there is a plethora of information you may choose to share with your audience. What industry does your business fall under? Is there general information that may prove helpful to a potential client? Take for example the business owner of a law firm. It may be useful to include the specific and specialized services that are provided and available at this specific law office.  And how about including the general procedures for commonly used legal incidents? This will save a consumer time and offer them the convenience of information without having to pick up the phone or do further digging. This is what consumers expect today!

MYTH: Websites are expensive and time consuming

Great news! Websites aren’t expensive and you don’t need to consume your precious free hours as a business owner slaving away on a web design and strategy. While there are various routes to take to the end result of a functioning and easy-to-look-at website, it’s helpful to understand what function and purpose your website will have. Do you run a small interior decorating business? If so, showcasing your design skills through a beautifully-designed webpage will be of more importance to you than that of a plumber. If you need a website to simply reach your customers and complete your online presence there are tools that exist to help and larger companies are beginning to offer websites as part of your businesses marketing strategy. At 411.ca we understand the pains of our customers, and we know just how many of you remain without a website. We want to offer you a website…instantly. And while you may think a website is time consuming – back right up. The right website can actually save you time and resources! You save on customer service when a customer is able to find all the information they need without having to go anywhere else but your website. And you are definitely slashing any advertising or marketing budget you may have – a website sells for you, even when you aren’t awake. Taking the time to investigate the right website option and implementing the few and easy steps it takes to get your website up and running will save your business much time in the end.

MYTH: Having a website is good enough

Yes. After all this I’m saying just having a website isn’t good enough. While it’s a great start, it’s important to manage and understand what your website is doing for you. Do you visit your website regularly to ensure all pages and links are functional? Have you an idea of how many people visit your website and what information they are looking for when they are there? Answers to these questions can help you take your online presence to the next step and further advance your online marketing strategy. But that’s another blog post. What’s important today is that you make sure your dear-to-heart business has a website.

– Shyla, Community Manager 

SHARE WITH OTHERS