We are at stop #4 on the Technology Roadmap series and are excited to talk about your online presence. Depending on what resource you are referencing, 44-51% of small businesses still do not have a web site. I was shocked when I read these statistics because of the value and massive positive impact a website brings to your business and customers alike. These days it is inexpensive, yet so imperative to have a presence online.

Here are 5 reasons why having a website is so important to your operations.

1. Potential customers can find you 

If you want to gain new customers, they need to know you exist and be able to find you. Over 90% of business purchase decisions begin with a search online. When you have a website that is “optimized” for search engines, your business will show up and it’s one of the cheapest and most effective way for potential customers to find you. This allows them to learn about your company, discover what you do, and find answers to questions they have about your business. 

2. Professionalism and Credibility 

A website will provide the information customers need to know about you, allow you to share your personal message and add credibility at the same time. A professional website is a game changer when it comes to your success and the impression people have of your brand and organization.

3. Positive ROI 

Assuming you make an initial investment $1500, how many new sales do you need to make to cover the cost? If you consider the profit from the life of a customer, it is very few. Keep in mind that the reoccurring costs of hosting a website is very minimal. What other advertising methods have you only paid for once but it continues to work for your business? 

4. Data Center 

When you utilize your website as a data center, customers can easily find and order products as well as locate valuable information. It’s a great reference for staff as well when everything is current. It saves your business money by not having to print out paper catalogs, or reprinting them when pricing changes. It also improves customer service and saves you time when people can find answers to their questions. 

5. Ecommerce Opportunities 

If you have Route Manager and a website, then you can purchase a module called Mango Web that allows you sell products and have everything sync automatically. New customers can sign up for service and their information will imports right into Route Manager. Customers can also check account status/billing, view delivery calendars and even go paperless by viewing and paying invoices online.

If you think all this sounds great but you do not have a web site (or have an old and inefficient one) we can guide you thru the process. There are several sites out there when you can build your own or you can find someone to do it for you. If you want assistance, here at Advantage Route Systems, we can create one for you. We have a team of talented designers and several classic templates you can choose from that we can customize for you. We can get you a professional presence online quickly and at a very affordable price. As your partner in technology, we are encouraging all of you to have a web presence and take advantage of this priceless marketing tool. A website is vital in this day and age to grow and sustain your business.