#1 Reason Why Local Business Owners Need A Website!

As you’re reading this post, I’m going to assume you’re asking yourself why, as a local business owner, you need a website.   Listen, you are not alone there are many local business owners that have not taken one step toward obtaining a site for their business.

Did you check out those numbers provided in the infographic above from mdgadvertising.com?  Think about the changing habits of your family and friends.  Where are they going to find information, place orders, etc?  Online.

The #1 reason why I believe local business owners need a website is because the consumer is searching for products and services online.  Plain and simple!  You need to be where they are so they can find you and not your competitors.

I recently came across a blog post from Entrepreneur titled “Why You Need a Website“.  This post is dated October 2004 and the answer is still the same…

Yes, if you have a business, you should have a website. Period. No question. Without a doubt.

Therefore, let’s make it easier for your local consumers to find your business when searching for your product or services online.

Whatever your reasoning for not having a business website now is the time to take steps and get the information you need to get your business a site today.

Want to know how others view your business online…

Related articles

• Your Business’ Online Reputation (lorriebrown.wordpress.com)

 

Your Business’ Online Reputation

Many local small business owners believe having nice website means their “Online Reputation” is intact.  However, there is so much more to online visibility than just a nice website.

There are many ways for local consumers and business owners to interact online to create the reputation of a business online.

In today’s online market place most of your online reputation is built outside of your website.  For example

• Social Media – Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn
• Review Sites
• Blogs

… just to name a few.

Are you beginning to understand the various ways your business’ online reputation can be influenced good or bad without involving your website.

Since I mentioned your website, let’s talk about a few practices that can build good reputation management.

These same practices go for any other web properties you may have as well such as Facebook Fanpage, Twitter page, or blog.

You can also utilize these practices with other web applications like Facebook Timeline, Twitter or your blog.

• Your business website is not your personal webpage – It should be managed professionally and kept business-related.
• Be polite in your public posts and responses. Never argue with a customer or reply with rude comments.
• ALWAYS comment on responses made by your customers and your potential customers – never ignore them. One of the best things you can do is to stay in communication with your audience and keep it as professional as possible.

Keep in mind to maintain your current customers and to win new ones is your goal.  You are online not to make friends or enemies.  Make sure you stay professional and keep your composure even when it can be very challenging.

Want to know how others view your business online…

Related articles

• REPUTATION MANAGEMENT ALERT: Online Review Sites Spell Big Trouble for Small Businesses (prweb.com)
• EnemyGraph: Making the Destruction of an Online Reputation Easier (soshable.com)