A recent survey of millions of Weebly customers highlighted the fact that over half of consumers place no faith in a company that does not have a website. Furthermore, web based sales are expected to rise to £1,409 trillion next year.
Despite these staggering figures, the estimate is that over half of small UK organisations are operating with no website. Times have changed, and for the majority of us the internet is the first port of call when we require information of any kind. Reaching for a phone book or local directory to find a telephone or retailer is a thing of the past. Now, with a click of a mouse, we can find anything we are looking for in a matter of seconds. The simple fact is if people are searching for a product that you sell and you have no online presence, you are missing out on potential business.
The ascension of social media has changed the way many of us work and live and it is now an integral part of daily life. It is important for small businesses not to fall into the trap of believing they are too small to exist online. In actuality, the success of social media has paved the way for smaller companies to compete and prosper on the internet. The obvious benefit offered by high profile sites such as Facebook and Twitter is unlimited exposure. When entrepreneurs become established online the world becomes their oyster. With targeted input the internet can contribute to massive growth and even global exposure.
When you decide to make your professional mark online, it is imperative that you have a website. The fantastic benefit of social media is visibility, but the next step in the process is directing potential customers to your official company website. Once people reach your site you are in a position to grab their attention, thoroughly establish your brand and make direct sales.
It is important to ensure that the identity of your brand remains consistent and can be instantly recognised as yours. Research states that users form an opinion about a website in less than a second, so your site should be well designed and informative along with being simple to navigate. The importance of SEO cannot be exaggerated. You can ensure potential customers by using the right keywords and placing well written content on your website. With a professional and well constructed online presence you can boost your SEO and significantly increase your chances of online growth and success.