A web site is a very cost-effective way to offer up-to-date information about your company to a very wide audience, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. No matter what kind of company you own, retail or service, you will benefit from the information people can find out about you online. For example:

• Business hours
• Menus
• Contact information
• Specials and sales

Imagine being able to answer frequently asked questions for your customers at any time:

• Product specifications
• Information about how to initiate returns and refunds
• Instructions for using products or services

Your web site is also a great place to help your customers compare your business to your competitors. The more information you provide about your competition, the easier you are making it for your clients to choose the best company for their needs (which should be YOUR business if you stack up to your competitors well enough!)

• Press releases
• Price comparisons
• Client testimonials
• Awards, degrees, specialized recognition in your field

Your web site can open your business to a whole new market

• Travelers researching available services and stores in the places they will be going through or staying at
• Customers from around the world to purchase your products
• Targeting specialized markets such as hobby enthusiasts

You can scale your web site to offer services based on your company profile.

• Sell your products online
• Offer product information to entice customers into your store
• Offer more information about your service so customers will know what you offer
• Schedule service calls
• Initiate quotes
• Answer frequently asked questions
• Receive feedback and suggestions from customers

These are just a few of the benefits you’ll receive from a business web site. It’s great tool to provide better service to your existing customers, and a wonderful way to win new customers.

Later, we’ll look at how web sites can help social and civic groups and even individuals.