If your business is not connected to the Internet, then you are in the minority of businesses that have not taken the leap yet. Even if your business does not retail online, or provide a service of any nature that could be performed online, you still might want to consider getting a website. If it’s because you are unsure how to manage it, then you simply need to find the best small business website hosting around.
Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you from getting current in today’s business climate. Many people will search the web looking for information on a business, before reaching out to them. Even if it’s just for contact information or mapping, people will seek you out through their computers. I know that when I am looking for a new business, I first search the Internet Yellow Pages, and then click on those who have a website first.
So, if you don’t want to be left behind, read on to learn more about starting a small business website.
What a Website can do for Your Business
I’m just taking a guess here, but if you don’t already have a website for your business then you are probably not fully aware of what a website can do for your company. Am I right? Let me give you a couple ideas. Just keep in mind; I have nothing to gain by convincing you to start a website. I just strongly believe in their value.
First, it’s easy and inexpensive exposure for your company. Building the website will be your biggest cost, and depending on how you do that, it’s still much cheaper than standard advertising. The other cost would be that your site would need ‘hosting’. But, through companies like Bluehost, it’s only $4.95 a month…and they do a great job.
And second, it can actually free up your time, if you have plenty of information on your site. For example, fielding questions on what you offer, getting directions, your company hours, prices, and so much more. If it could save a couple phone calls a day for what I call frivolous calling, that is 2 times less a day that you are unnecessarily interrupted in what you are doing.
Outsourcing the Unfamiliar
If you don’t know where to begin, that’s fine. There is nothing wrong with finding assistance if you are unsure how to make a small business website. You have two options, as far as I can tell. Either would be appropriate, but will depend on your skills, ability to learn, and creativity.
One option would be to take a crash course in creating a small business website. This option would be fine, if you want to take the time to do that…and time away from what you normally do for business. However, there are sites that will walk you through the basics, such as WordPress, to make your new adventure painless.
The other option would be to outsource the work to someone else, such as a friend who knows something about building websites and hosting, or hire a freelancer. You can post a job for building a website on sites such as Elance, where thousands of independent contractors are looking for freelance work.
Creating Content
Perhaps the most important part of creating a website is content development. This can also be outsourced, and should be if you are not comfortable writing to capture attention…or, if you just don’t have the time.
Here are a few things to consider when developing content:
- Know your audience, or who you hope to reach
- Be informative by giving them the information they are seeking
- Keep it easy to read and engaging
- Incorporate quality photos that are relevant
- Invite them to interact with a message area
These are just the basics, but you want to give the people who visit your page what they want, as to what information they are seeking. If they don’t like what they see within a minute of clicking on to your site, they will move on.
Most importantly, keep your information current and update it often, especially if you are hoping for repeat visitors.
Hosting Your Site
Finally, if you are going to build a small business website, then you also need to make sure it is hosted appropriately. In my opinion, one of the best small business website hosting companies available is Bluehost. And, speaking of websites, check theirs out to see how they can help you, for minimal cost.
Even if you don’t necessarily have a product or service to sell, you can still benefit by promoting your business online, because the majority of consumers utilize the web daily.
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