Nowadays, people don't thumb through the phone book to find what they need. They turn to what's usually already in front of them: the computer. They'll pull up a search engine and type in a topic, or a few key words. If they're looking for you specifically, they might even punch in your name, business name, or city. Regardless what they type in, they are guaranteed to find someone to help them... Why? Because your competitor has a website!

They might even come across your phone number, but if there is no website to click to, they'll move on to the next listing without a second thought. People want more information before they talk to someone. Your website is the number one place people will go to read about you, your business, and your services and products.

A website will validate your business. After reading about you and your business, and seeing pictures of your staff and your office, people will be much more inclined to do business with you. People choose the familiar over the unknown.

Use your website as a selling tool. The website of an office complex displays photos of the offices for lease. A restuarant website will show their elegant dining experience awaiting. A hotel will boast of luxury suites and available ballrooms. A prospective client will learn of other services they didn't know you offered. And testimonials from happy customers will reassure and calm the wary. Your website is the perfect place for non-confrontational, effective sales.

Improve customer service through your website. List your services and products. Have your price sheet or rates available. Answer questions before they're even asked: location, directions, hours ...anything that pertains to your business.

Your customers will read about you on the internet.
Make sure they're reading what you want them to.

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“Website Checklist:
Five Keys of an Effective Website”