So, I'm starting a web design company, and would like to focus on selling to small businesses. The only problem is, i at times have problems believing the value of my own product. I tell the owners that a website is a great form of marketing and can help bring them new business, but then i do a regional search on google and see literally 20 other websites offering the same service, and i feel like for them to have a site would be a waste of time... Is there value in small businesses having websites, even if the market is so saturated that people who find you on google will be minimal?
I'd say YES! These days it's not optional, I know even before I shop at a store i will often google them and search their website for details or pricing - if they don't have a website then chances are someone else gets my business. The idea of a website isn't just for people to find you, but also a way for you to publish information about your company.
I second ChrisBa's statement and also add that a good website can present an impressive image for a small business...one that it might not otherwise be able to present to the public.
As this is the age of technology , so why not to use web technology for any business. especially small business need to grow more . web is the best place to put their business or service out their . i would say it is much needed to create a website for small business.
In today's world a website is a must for ALL businesses big or small. It is an inexpensive form of advertisement . It is an excellent tool to promote your product and advertize special sales , and with a website you are not limited to your local community you are opened to the whole world .
In that case you need to find a unique proposition. Something that sets that business apart from the rest - free shipping, good offers, wider range of goods/services, 24 hour support, etc etc etc .... Something of value that the others don't do. But I would say yes, they definitely need a website. These days it's expected, and I am shocked if I don't find a website for a shop, even if it only displays opening hours and gives me a short idea of their product range. I consider it lazy if a shop doesn't do it, and I consider it a sign of their disinterest in their customers.
Small business owners are famous for not spending cash. Cash conservation can be one of the most important things an executive of a small company can do. So, selling a small business owner on an investment in something that s/he has never done before is tricky. When you add in the fact that it is extremely difficult to show an ROI for a website, it complicates the issue. One approach to such a sale would be to research the small business's competitors and see which of them have websites. You can then use the FUD (Fear Uncertainty Doubt) factor with your prospect as to whome does s/he think someone researching companies on the web will pick? And why does s/he want to give those competitors an unchallenged playing field?
To answer your original question: 100% YES! Every business needs a company website, but more importantly a company blog to go along with that website. I don't care if it is a business that sells handmade ties, it needs a website. Just be honest with the companies and show them how having a website and marketing it can increase their income. Maybe point out that: Their competitors have websites Show them you doing a search for their business and nothing popping up. Offer to charge a reasonable rate to create a website for them as well as setting up Google Places so that their company information pops up nice and big. If all else fails, make a blanket website that you can market to multiple local businesses in the same niche. Say you live in Roswell, New Mexico. Make a website, www.roswelldentists.com. Get a PO Box so that you can set up Google Places with it. Get a cheap phone number like magic jack for it. Make it look super legit and get it ranked for terms like "roswell new mexico dentists" "roswell dentists" etc. Should be relatively easy to rank and maintain. After getting it ranked go to the local dentists and tell them you run roswelldentists.com and would like to offer them advertising space on it. Maybe make the header "TOP 3 Dentists in Roswell, New Mexico". Be honest. If the site is ranking in even 1k unique visits a month tell them. Also try to rank the site for their brand name. Sell advertising space on the site for $450 / spot and only offer 3 spots. Offer a bonus $300 to forward to phone number to their business number. The possibilities are endless. Seriously.
Thanks jrbiz, just trying to be helpful That's what I love about internet marketing. Add a new twist to an already proven concept and you have something awesome!