Many small business owners believe their company is too small to warrant a web presence.
More than 40% of companies with five or less employees have a website. Even more surprising is that only 12% of companies have a social media page.
In today’s age of technology, the need for immediate information is greater now more than ever – and it’s only growing. Think about it:
- Wondering where to go for dinner? You immediately go to Google or Yelp.
- Looking for someone to quickly repair your broken refrigerator? You probably pull up Google.
- Looking for the hours of the local grocery store? Yep… Google.
But what happens when there’s no information online about a certain company? It’s simple. If someone is looking for information about your store and can’t find it, they are most likely going to rule out doing business with you (that is, if they even know you exist).
While small business owners face the daily grind that comes along with launching and growing a company, their concerns aren’t invalid. A survey of companies who do not have a website point to the following reasons:
- 35% said they were “too small”
- 21% said they lacked the IT experience to maintain the site
- 20% said they couldn’t afford a website
In the same survey, more than 80% of business owners with a website said their web presence gave them a competitive advantage over similar companies w/o a website. It’s simple, really.
As a small business owner, you need to ask yourself the following question: “Can your business afford to not have a website?” If your competition can be easily found online and your company can not, your competitor is eating your lunch. Literally… they are taking the money from your potential customers, and they are treating themselves to a nice lunch.
If your competitor has a website and you don’t – They win
If your competitors engage w/ customers on social media and you don’t – They win
If your competitors make information readily available to current and new customers and you don’t – They win
So, Here’s the Tip(s):
- Take 5-10 minutes, and Google your competitors. When you put yourself in the shoes of a potential customer, it’s important to understand why they would choose the other company over yours.
- Start monetizing the potential loss of revenues due to the lack of a web presence. For instance, if you think a combination of a website + social media presence could yield your business just and extra $50 a day – That’s $18,250 over the course of a year. I don’t know many small business owners that would turn that down.
- Start small. Create a Facebook page or Twitter account. There are several companies leveraging social media in lieu of a website.
If you’re a small business owner, and you’re looking to take the first step to growing your business through an online presence (website + social media), give us a call at 814.937.1105. We’d love to help.
It’s time to take back your lunch money.