Yes, your business needs a website, here's why

“What do you mean you don’t have a website?” It was a question I asked incredulously of someone for whom I was writing a magazine advertorial.
 
The response: “I know,” she said, “Everyone always asks me why I don’t have one. I guess I just haven’t gotten around to doing it.”
 
Besides, I was told, the client felt as if she had enough business already and didn’t need to bring in more. Now that’s a problem we should all have. It also probably wasn't necessarily true since she was paying for a print ad.
 
I understand, as business people sometimes we get to the point where we become overwhelmed and don’t want to take on more work. But just as quickly as the work comes in it can dry up. Then what?
 
Websites are today’s calling card. Regardless of whether someone is looking for an Italian restaurant, or a lawyer to handle their case, websites have become the go-to place to find what we are looking for.
 
Most people believe that a good website has to cost thousands of dollars and take months to create, but that isn’t true. There are many platforms available today that make it cheaper and easier to create one.
 
Another roadblock for many is content creation. Website content should not just be all about you and your business, it should be about getting those who come to your site to take the next step – to become a paying customer or client.
 
Regardless of whether you decide to write your own content, or hire a professional content writer, there are some things that must be included:
 
About me: People want to get to know the people with whom they are doing. Tell them about you, your company, how long you have been in business, why you do what you do and why you are good at it. It’s important that you are relatable, so that potential customers will feel as if they are hiring someone they can like and trust. If you’re a big company with many players, include bios of those on the front line. Include founders, managers, folks who come in touch with your customers.
 
Services: Outline the services that you provide. For example, if you are a roofer, explain that you do repairs, installation of new roofs, specialize in a particular area (leaks?), etc. If you are a restaurant, include a menu that is readable and even downloadable. If you sell widgets, be specific about their size, shape, the colors they come in. You get the picture. The more specific you are, the better. Unless your target audience is specifically someone in your own field, avoid jargon. Use easy to understand language.

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