Taking Your Small Business Online
by 6 
It’s very important to have an online presence, even if you’re just a small business. Whether you’re offering local services or you have a product that can be shipped around the globe, taking your small business online will help you move up to the next level. Here are some of the benefits of investing in that online presence.
It’s the New Phonebook
You may think that you don’t need to be online, but the fact is that most people have replaced their phone books with Google. Make sure that you’re still reaching your customers by investing in a functional website. When someone new to town is looking for a mechanic, they’re more likely to find you if you have this website, and people across the country can also visit to buy your great merchandise.
24/7 Shopping
You never know when your customers might want to shop. It’s not cost-effective to keep your specialty store open extended hours, but your customers can still visit your site to buy the merchandise they need or want. You can make sales in the middle of the night, on a Sunday afternoon when you’re out with the family, and while you’re helping other customers during regular business hours.
Reach a Wider Audience
Reach out to a larger audience with an attractive, highly ranked website. Customers around the globe can see your products and view your prices when you have an online marketplace. Even if you have a local business offering services, your customers can still log on at any time to book appointments and see if you have any specials coming up.
Greater Profit Levels
The beauty of an online store is that it carries minimal overhead. You don’t have to add parking to allow for your new customers because they’ll be online. There’s no need to add sales staff to the floor because the customers can peruse the site at their leisure. However, you may need to invest in a few extra people to man the phones if online customers have questions and deal with shipments.
When you have a business to run and build, you need to invest in an online store. Phone books are falling out of favor, and it’s important to keep up with the changing times by embracing the technology that’s readily available and affordable. You’ll reach more customers, and you may also boost your profit levels.
