by Drew Van Camp

Websites are serious Business! Don't mistake websites as a trend. This is out with the Old, in with the New. The top reasons I believe a website is an important benefit to any Organization or Business are as follows.

1. You Still Exist – Local, not just Global, customers use the internet to find products, services, and information 24/7. Traditional forms of advertising, e.g. phonebooks and TV ads, are fading fast. Interruption Marketing is being displaced by Inquiry Marketing. If you don't have a Website, you scarcely Exist!

2. Low Cost Publishing – Websites are Easy to Maintain! Not only is Internet Marketing the most cost-effective form of advertising, but a website is the easiest way to keep your products, services, events, and company information fresh and at your visitors' fingertips.

3. Professional Image – You don't have to be in a high-tech industry to benefit from maintaining a professional website. The modern website has taken the place of the traditional business card and fancy brochure. Furthermore, a website can elevate your business to sit among the large corporations to compete with the major players. This is especially profitable if you hold the local advantage. Level the Playing Field!

4. Efficient Customer Service – Relationships build Loyalty. With your finger on the pulse through Online Polls, Discussion Forums, and Email, much of which can be automated to save time, you can more widely get to know the needs and expectations of your customers and you will be able to provide an expertise that will keep them coming back.

5. Open 24/7 – A fully automated Store on your website provides an obvious advantage, but even if you're not into E-commerce per se, consider the fact that the more information on products and services that you can provide on your website to potential customers, the more likely they are to stop in or give you a call. Your website is open for business even when you're not.

Further Reading: Here are some articles outlining the top reasons why your small business needs a website and needs it today!

http://midmodesign.com/news/general/top-10-reasons-your-business-needs-a...

http://www.strategicmarketingmontreal.ca/newsletter-31.htm

http://www.u-cwebs.com/usability-reviews-articles/50reasons.htm

http://www.hooverwebdesign.com/whyyouneedawebsite.html

http://www.ajmaddox.com/resources/small-business/websites/why-you-need-a...

http://nowsourcing.wordpress.com/2007/06/17/top-10-reasons-companies-don...

http://www.equinox.ie/ARTICLES/Web_Design/Why_You_Need_a_Website.html

http://www.hooverwebdesign.com/need-a-website.html