The Internet has been part of mainstream society since 1995 and over the course of these last 17 years, it has evolved quite a bit. One thing that has become evident, however, is that in the modern world it is as common as the telephone, television and cars. In fact, it has enhanced our experience with such common products as the phone, the television and cars. The Internet is indispensable from our daily lives.
This is just as true for businesses and non-profit organizations as it is for individuals. The Internet has become of the hub of modern business and plays just as prominent a role for non-profits. And yet, in 2012 there are still several small businesses and non-profits that have no website and many more whose site has been woefully neglected. We think there is a huge opportunity that these groups are missing.
There are several reasons why your small business or non-profit organization needs a website. Here are just a few:
To Be Found
How many times have you done a search online for product or service and hoped that you could fine a local business that can help? That’s exactly what your prospects are doing! Everyday millions, if not billions, of people are using search engines like Google and Bing to find products to buy or services to purchase or sign up for. At the same time, internet users are doing research on causes that your non-profit supports and fights for. In either case, you need to establish a web presence and be available to them. If you’re not, your competitors will be.
Add Credibility to Your Brand
By simply having a professional business or non-profit website, you add credibility to your brand. You must have a professional looking site if you want to be taken seriously. Many customers search for information online prior to making a purchase at a brick-and-mortar store. Several will visit the store to window shop and return to the website to make a purchase or compare prices with several vendors. Either way, the impression your site makes can be the difference between gaining or losing a customer. The stakes are equally high for potential donors, volunteers and supporters of non-profits. Is your organization credible? If it doesn’t look the part, users may not feel comfortable lending their time, talent and treasury to your cause.
Have 24/7 Access to Clients, Customers, Supporters, Press, etc.
With a professional website, users now have access to your business or non-profit organization at any time of the day and from any location. While you, your employees and co-workers need to take time off to sleep and eat everyday, your website doesn’t. It’s available when you’re not so make sure it provides the information your visitors are looking for.
Establish a Global Headquarters
Today small businesses and non-profits have a multitude of platforms and mediums market their wares and spread their message. It’s quite common for organizations, of any size, to construct and maintain complex marketing strategies that touch several of these platforms. There are social networks like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn; photo and video-sharing sites like YouTube, Flickr and Vimeo; smart phones and tablets provide opportunities with mobile apps and mobile websites; and of course the traditional brick-and-mortar shops, mail order catalogs, 1-800 numbers, TV and radio commercials, newspapers, magazines, billboards, email marketing, etc. the list goes on! With so many channels to reach your target market it is important to establish a centralized location as the headquarters for all of these hubs. A professional website makes for the perfect headquarters for this wealth of information.
There are several other reasons to have website, but one of the best is that regardless of how big or small your organization is when it comes to benefitting from a website, size does not matter. Whether your a one-man show or a 10,000-employee corporate giant, a professional website levels the playing field. If you don’t have a well-maintained website, you’re losing customers to companies that do.
If you are interested in getting your web presence started or revamped, contact Atarah Software for a free consultation.