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I want a website – but I don’t know where to start.
but I don’t know where to start.The web makes information about you, your range of products and services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No other form of advertising offers such a cost effective method of reaching potential customers.
Ask yourself “why do I want a website?”
Here are a few simple examples of what websites can do for your business or organisation.
Websites should explain what your business does.
Tell visitors about your range of products or services; inform them of the benefits of using your products or services and why they should do business with you.
Your website displays your products or services.
Using photography and images will help to explain what your business does, what you manufacture or what you sell. Before and after photography is a classic example to illustrate the effects of a service. And everyone likes to see a product before purchasing.
Collect and display customer’s testimonials on your website.
People are more likely to use your service or buy your product if they can see that others have already benefitted from using your business or organisation.
Websites can collect enquiries and quotation requests.
Use online forms to gather potential customers contact details, or provide them with forms so you get all the information you need to supply them quotations more easily.
Provide online quotations direct from your website.
You could go a step further and provide your visitors with estimates or quotations automatically. Again using forms, providing choices and options your visitors will be able to get instant prices at anytime.
Take bookings online.
You could offer to take bookings online. Book a table in a restaurant, accommodation in a hotel or arrange a meeting. These could be definite bookings – but it’s usual to confirm using either e-mail or telephone.
Sell your products or services online.
Having an e-commerce store avoids the overheads of a bricks and mortar shop. There are many options when it comes to selling online; simple stores with just a few products right through to fully fledged online superstores offering 1000’s of products. Adding e-commerce to an existing bricks and mortar shop can be a lucrative new revenue stream.
Provide after sales support from your website.
Your website can be used to directly answer customer’s queries and provide additional support information about your product or services. Installation or instruction manuals, advice and a frequently asked questions section on your website is also a useful resource for your customers.
Provide online maps and directions.
Using static or interactive maps you can show your visitors where you are.
An online web diary of events.
Let your visitors know where you’re going to be. Trade shows, exhibitions and events where potential customers can find you.
Publish news about your business on your own website.
Offer regular news about your business or organisation. Latest projects and events, special promotions, awards you’ve won etc.