Your marketing opportunities can be reduced by as much as 70% if you don't have a website; because your competitors do.

If you’re in business – you must have a website …period. Not only is it expected by your prospective (and existing) clients, a website is one of the easiest ways to expand your market.

Of those people with an internet connection; (and which of your prospective clients don’t have an internet connection – any?) of those with an internet connection over 70% research products and services online before making a call. Why?

1) No Pressure – There’s no one pressuring for a sale, no one asking questions and no one demanding personal information. People can browse at their leisure, 24 X 7.
2) Information – Generally, a website has more detailed information available than printed brochures or phone listings, including service descriptions, company information, pricing and additional resources.

That being said, a professional, quality website is not inexpensive. Even if you’re not ready for an interactive, e-commerce site and what you need is a basic, “brochure” site you’re still looking at an investment of $1,000 or better.

There are, however, ways to economize and working with a professional web firm is the way to do it. (Not working with your neighbor’s nephew who is “good with computers”.) Worse than having no website is having a poorly designed or poorly functioning site. Why?

1) If your site looks unprofessional – You look unprofessional – Your business looks unprofessional. That’s the way it is for everyone, everywhere. Make sure your site represents you and the quality of what you provide.
2) If your site is confusing or not functioning properly you’ll lose your prospects faster than you can say “Re-Boot”. Remember, a confused mind always says, “NO”.
3) You’ll be wasting your precious resources. Even a poor site takes time and money to manage and keep online. Think about it: You’ll be damaging your reputation, losing prospects AND paying for the privilege!

We small business owners have limited marketing budgets. Make sure you have a website before investing in any additional printed brochures. If you have a website, get a “check-up” and make sure it is working FOR you and not AGAINST you.

Two excellent “check-up” options (as well as great website design) are offered by my friends:

1) CS at Premiere Web Services – PWS offers a free-30 minute consultation on your site to start. After that they have website audit packages that include written reports of differing levels of detail showing everything from your traffic levels, usability statistics, keyword analysis and recommendations for content changes for better search engine placement.
2) Rich at flyte new media – Flyte offers a website audit where they provide specific advice on how to rank better at the search engines, usability issues and how to get more visitors to convert. Included in the audit is a 30 minute consultation meeting. Flyte also offers a small business web package for a professional, yet affordable beginner site.

If you don’t have a site, get one – a professional, quality site to represent you and your business well. If you have a site, be honest about it – is it an asset? If not, face reality – Be BOLD and do something about it.

Most mistakes that we leaders make come about from not facing reality. Bold Vision coaching programs and peer groups help business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals face reality, initiate critical change to become more effective.