On this blog, we’ve shared how to improve small business websites, what to look for, and how to maintain an effective site. But we may have missed the most important small business market segment for website development—small businesses who have no website.

It Can’t be Many—Can it?

I shared an article from INC.com, How the Tech Revolution Straight up Bypassed Most Small Businesses, with our marketing team. They were flabbergasted when I read this from the article, “Fifty-five percent of small businesses don’t have a website, according to a 2013 survey of more than 3,800 small businesses conducted by Internet search company Google and research company Ipsos. That’s a slight improvement from the year before, when 58 percent said they didn’t have a website.” Wait—what??? Over ONE-HALF don’t have websites!? How can this be?

Not Everyone Needs a Website, but Most Do

INC.com interviewed a Bloomington, IN farmer and sausage maker, who limited by acreage, had reached maximum production. He couldn’t serve any more customers if he wanted to. A website would not help him increase sales. I know of a small business working on their exit strategy; they could serve more customers, but they don’t want new customers. Unless a small business doesn’t want new customers, and more orders, it’s hard to rationalize not to having a website. And lead generation isn’t the only reason for a website, but that’s another post.

There is NO Excuse

  • It costs too much. No, it doesn’t, although hiring a professional is much preferred there are many inexpensive DIY sites. Besides, a professional site should more than pay for itself in lead generation.
  • I’m not big enough. Size has nothing to do with it. If you print tye-dyed T-shirts in your garage, and sell them at flea markets you will reach a larger audience and sell more online.
  • I’ve done business a long time without a website. Sure you have, and at one time people did without phones, faxes, and email. If you don’t catch up, your competitors will pass you by.

What Makes you Different from Your Customers?

The vast majority of small business use technology. They have laptops, smartphones, and tablets. They order supplies, conduct banking, and pay bills online. And when they need a product or service they search…online. Even if you’re old school and don’t think the yellow pages left on your doorstep are a waste of paper, the majority of your employee’s, and more importantly your customers, are online. And shouldn’t you be where your market is? If you’d like to learn more about creating a cost-effective, easy to use website for your business call us at 1-888-544-8051. We’ll be happy to straighten you out and get you in line…I mean, online.