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"Does my business need a website?"We receive this question frequently. The answer could quite easily be "yes" or could quite easily be "no". This simple guide will give you the "in's and out's" of what a website is and how a website can benefit you. The History and DemographicsThe internet has been around from as early as 1968 where a small group of universities joined computers together to form a network of communication. The internet (called "net" for short) really started to gain momentum in the late 80’s early 90’s and saw a huge increase in internet population to around 50,000 hosts. In 1993, the internet hit a huge milestone of now having the ability to display a website in a graphical format. In 1996 there were approx 15,000,000 users online world wide^. In September 2006 Nielson//NetRatings reported that over 1,086,250,000 now access the internet worldwide*. Australia’s population around this time was approx. 20,750,000* and a staggering 14,663,000* users now access the internet. In Australia this is over 70% of the population! |
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What is a Web Site?
A web site is like an easily accessible information board. People can get information on what you offer, where you are located, how to find you, why they should choose you over a competitor, and what’s new in your company. It is a communication forum that your customers can communicate to you, questions, concerns and feedback on their needs.
Website's can be interactive, an example website might be for restaurant reviews where the user of the website will write a review that will be displayed on the site, or might even be an e-commerce website for selling old lp records, or craft supplies or computer hardware and software. A website is what you want it to be!
A website in summary:
- Is a marketing tool for your business that compliments current advertising campaigns.
- Can be used to reach a greater market.
- Can be used to increase sales and profits.
- Is used to inform your potential customers and existing customers.
- Compliments and boosts your existing identity.
Highly Targeted Marketing
A website is a highly targeted form of marketing. When an internet user wants to find out about a product or service, the first thing they do is go to a search engine such as Google and type in what it is they are looking for. The user will then look through the results until they find the web page that suits what they are looking for. Click for more information about our search engine optimisation (SEO) services.
Credibility - A case study
I was talking to a client recently about a website he was getting our web designers to design. This client owns a number of companies and is a very successful business man. He always has an abundance of work and is continually expanding. I made the comment to him, "Why, then, do you feel you need a website?" His response was surprising, "I need a website to establish credibility for my new clients." His comment was backed by what Small Business Magazine October 2003 issue had to say on this issue: "Customers and other people who come in contact with your business expect to find a reputable business on the Web, so don’t risk your credibility by not being present." He didn’t need top search engine rankings, because he already had more than enough work on, but what he did need was a simple yet professional looking website to establish his credibility.
More Information
If you are interested in finding out more information about the benefits of having a website, please contact us.
Click to see our web design services.
References
^ DaveSite.com - History of the Internet
* Internet World Stats