When I go out prospecting for new clients, I’m flabbergasted by how many small business owners don’t think it’s necessary to have a website.
Then there are those that know they need a website, but think they don’t have the content, effort, or time for maintaining a blog.
For all those entrepreneurs and small business owners out there reading this … you MUST have a website … preferably a blog.
According to current research: 97% of consumers use online media to shop locally and 58% of them use an online coupon at a local merchant … meaning … if you don’t have a web presence, then kiss those potential customers buh-bye, because they will find your competitors who do have a website and go to them for their purchases.
Think of it this way; how many times have you gone online to search for a local business’ days and hours of operation, or just to get a phone number to call and ask a question? How many times have you accessed that same information from a mobile device (like your cell phone) instead of going to the “old-school” resource known as the Yellow Pages? Why turn to the Yellow Pages when all you have to do is a quick Google search from your cell phone?
Also keep in mind that the use of mobile devices to access the internet are projected to continue to rise in the next few years (and those forecasts aren’t taking into consideration the plethora of tablet devices ready to flood the market in 2010/11).
Personally, I don’t think I’ve even looked in a Yellow Pages in the last 3 or 4 years … I use Google and Yelp for all my searching needs.
Why a blog instead of just a website?
Most people don’t realize how easy it is to turn a blog into a full-fledged website. With the use of WordPress, a theme, and some plug-ins, I can create a great looking blogsite that is easy for my clients to update themselves without having to turn to me (and pay me) every time they want a simple addition or change.
Also, most business owners don’t realize that you don’t have to use a blog as a “blog” … there are a multitude of creative ideas on how to use a blog as more than just a blog.
So come on entrepreneurs and small business owners … admit that you need a website!
