Importance of Websites to Small Businesses & Marketing (Essay Sample)

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Importance of Websites to Small Businesses
Nowadays, it is imperative for small businesses to own a website because it gives the business a competitive edge. This added advantage is vital to succeeding at a very competitive small business industry. There are many roles played by business websites which include; marketing, sales, offering online services, among others. This essay will provide a detailed analysis these roles and their advantages in business.
Marketing is important because it is the process through which potential customers are introduced to the business and its products or services. A website is an excellent marketing platform for small businesses. It offers advertisement of all products and services by reaching out to a bigger clientele which is more effective than other forms of marketing. It is a less expensive form of marketing since its expenses are only incurred at development and hosting of the website. It can also be linked with social media enabling the business to take advantage of the opportunities presented by social media marketing platforms (Ciprian 94-95).
Statistics have proved that businesses can double their revenue by incorporating online sales. This is because of technological improvement in the sales sector. Websites are now accessible by use of portable gadgets such as smartphones and tablets. Customers can purchase products from anywhere in the world at their convenience because of the worldwide internet coverage. Sales can also be made oversees without having to travel to meet customers. There are improvements in modes of transportation as well that have made it possible for businesses to deliver their products to clients within shorter duration. It is easier to make online payments since transactions are automated in e-commerce platforms (Burgess 143).
Websites offer a lot of convenience to clients as well. A client can easily search online for products and where to find them. This is more convenient than driving around looking for a particular store to purchase an item. It is easier for clients to find out where to reach you if information is provided on a website. Clients will also know what you offer without having to be physically present at the place of business. Good e-commerce websites will also provde room for negotiating, booking and direct communication with clients (Fisher and Bentley 254).
Another important aspect of a website to a small business is accessibility. Clients gain access to your products or services 24 hours a day any day of the week. This way, the business remains in operation after business hours, during weekends and public holidays. Another advantage is that a business with a well-designed website and corporate emails looks more professional and trustworthy. The first impression is key to gaining a client’s trust (Salehi et al., 383-3...