Easy Way To Make Your Small Business
No two small businesses are the same, but most want to be like their larger counterparts in a few important ways. For example, even if you own a business with only a few good customers, you want to be visible enough to attract new customers, increase your chances of acquiring repeat customers, and do everything you can to improve customer satisfaction.
According to the U.S. For the Small Business Administration (SBA), a professional website is essential. The ASB website notes that the Internet "levels the playing field for businesses large and small" because it is a dynamic and cost-effective medium for advertising and customer service. “The Internet enables small and medium-sized companies to compete with large companies,” says the ASB.
Conventional wisdom suggests that any business without an online presence is now at a distinct disadvantage, but International Data Corporation's (IDC) recent survey of small businesses reveals a surprising gap. An IDC study found that of the 6.8 million companies in the United States with fewer than 10 employees, only 3.8 million have a website. “That means 3 million U.S. small businesses, or 44% of all businesses, are not using the Internet to advertise online or reach current and potential customers,” said Ray Boggs, vice president of small and medium-sized businesses and home offices. Research at the IDC. “In today's connected world, companies that take this step typically find that owning a website can provide significant growth opportunities for their business, especially if it is updated regularly."
small businesses operate online, and more than half are not taking full advantage of the Internet's capabilities to grow their business. These opportunities include creating a dynamic website to attract and retain customers, leveraging search engines to increase company visibility in today's global market, and communicating with customers 24/7 or whenever they want.
What is stopping small businesses from reaching this level? Cost, complexity, and inconvenience represent obstacles for many. By their nature, a small business typically has a limited budget and limited staff. Think of it this way: In a time when most Americans use the Internet regularly, there's a good chance a significant percentage of your customers do too.
