Does my business need a website?

Possibly, 'no'!
If you can be certain that your customers will never use the Internet to find out about you, or your products and services, then you can safely stay off the Web but how can you be 'certain' as Internet access becomes more and more prevalent.

One example of a business that probably doesn't need the Web could be a takeway, fast-food portacabin sited outside a nightclub. All of cabin's trade is 'passerby' so what benefit would being on the web bring?

Well, to be frank, not a lot but there are minor benefits which could be worth the small investment required for a web presence. For example, if the cabin has competition, then a swapped link campaign with the nightclub (ie. for a link on the nightclub's website advertising the cabin, the cabin's website features an advert for the nightclub) could mean that clients of the nightclub learn the name of the cabin and on leaving the club choose it, as the name is familiar, rather than its competition.

So probably, 'yes'
The advantages over your competition may be small in some cases, and imperative in others, but the fact remains that there is, most likely, some advantage to be gained from an Internet presence. If you fail to realise that advantage, how long do you think it will before your competition does?

For small businesses in a tourist area, it is a great advantage that visitors to your area, your potential customers, know your name before they arrive.

63% of holiday makers who booked a holiday in 2002 used the Internet to get travel information and information on their destinations (source: MORI poll, 2002). That means that approximately one third of all the visitors to your area could arrive there knowing that they wish to visit your business.

They can then look for you, rather than just stumbling across you, or worse, stumbling across your competition. Make it as easy as you can for them, give them:

• your opening hours
• your contact details, especially your address
• a map to help them find you
• a clear and accurate description of your products and services
• inviting images of your location or products
• a special promotion to invite them

Then you will have provided the most effective, and yet still simple, web site you can. Your site will help customers find you, persuade them that you are the best choice for them and invite them to you.

At A6 Media we can help you build that first site. You don't need a massive web site with all the gadgets and toys you can find, so why pay for them? Our step-by-step process allows you to build the internet presence you require, as and when you need it, and to only pay for what you need.

And definitely, 'yes'
If you wish to actually sell your products and services over the Internet. In which case, there are further considerations for you, such as:

• 'How do I take money over the Internet?' and
• 'How can I offer guarantees to my clients?'

We can also build those sites for you, using large, reliable companies to process your payments for you and provide both you and your customers with the protection and reassurance required in today's global market place.

In todays world a web presence isn't a magic solution, it doesn't guarantee you instant fame and fortune, but it can help move things in the right direction. Get in touch with A6 Media now and see how we can help you grow your business.

<< Back to FAQs