Investing in a Business Website

Saving money can be just as important as making it, right? Your website can do that by streamlining costs for customer service, including printing and postage, among other things. According to Forester Research, online orders are 4% more profitable than orders placed over the phone. If you don't have to mail a catalog or have a phone rep take orders, how much will that save you?

According to Internet pundits, the World Wide Web is the first medium where you can build a brand and track the results. Remember, in most cases, your website is an extension of your real world business, so it should reflect your existing brand.

The Internet spans the globe, allowing even the smallest company to offer its products and services internationally, an option once open only to large corporations.

A website is a wonderful way to create mutually beneficial relationships. For instance, a travel site might link to a travel agency and receive a commission when a referral generates new business. Likewise, a travel agency can link to a travel site so its clients can research their destination. It's a win-win situation for both businesses.

It may not be the best reason to build a site, but it's certainly a valid one. Most businesses compete for customers. Does your competitor have a website? Then you need one too. More than keeping up, it can be the difference between staying in the game or going out-of-business.

Last update: Jan 19, 2010