1. Cheaper than traditional media
The web offers very low comparative running costs compared to other media. Consider the cost of advertising or information dissemination on a per page basis, with one page view of a website being equated to a print flyer or magazine ad. With the website, ongoing costs for a simple site can be very low: hosting can be as low at $15 per month and often includes a host of additional features. For this cost you can have thousands of views, and keep your information available to your audience indefinitely.

Contrast this with a run of brochures. To make them look good you'll invest a lot of money into design and printing; to reach your audience you'll spend a lot on postage; and heaven forbid you attempt to change one small detail, such as a telephone number - you'll have to go through it all again before even sending them out! Changes can be made as soon as they are required on the Web. You have control of your documents. And the next time you have a promotion, all you need is a new webpage - not the whole process of printing, proofing and mailing all over again.

2. Twenty-Four Hour Networking
Having an Internet presence means that when someone is looking for you, they will find information about you 24 hours a day, at their leisure. This could be your partners, suppliers, prospects, customers, contacts or anyone that you routinely deal with. They no longer have to find your phone number and call a few times before reaching you, or search for your email address and risk sending email to an old address that no longer works. All they need to know is your domain name to find you.

3. A website makes it easy for people to refer new customers to you.
For many businesses, referrals are a crucial source of new customers. Having a website makes it easy to encourage referrals, because customers can simply send friends and business contacts to your site. Web site addresses are easier to remember than phone numbers. Plus, giving people multiple ways of contacting you makes it more likely that they will do so.

4. A website increases your credibility.
Your website has a powerful impact on a potential customer's confidence in you. A professional design, well-written copy, helpful product information, and good contact info can tremendously increase trust in your company. It lets people know you're knowledgeable and up-to-date. If you take the time to develop a good-quality site with helpful information, visitors will have no choice but to be impressed.

5. A website increases the value of your advertising.
Adding your website address to all your advertisements, business cards, and company literature is a great way to draw potential customers to your company. Providing a website gives people a way to act on your message whenever they hear about you or see an ad for your company. Going to a website is easier than writing, visiting a store, or even making a phone call, and a website can contain far more information - and more up-to-date information - than a business card, brochure or print ad can on its own.

Also, it's often more comfortable for potential customers to visit a website because there is no obligation. Visitors don't feel pressured, and can look at and read about your goods for as long as they like.

6. A website helps you stay in contact with potential customers.
There are frequently people who are interested in what you have to offer, but they might not be ready to buy right now. You need to stay in contact with them so that you immediately come to mind when they ARE ready. A website is a great way to facilitate this. You can use your web site to collect email addresses from visitors. Then you can periodically send out promotional emails or a newsletter. Staying in contact keeps your company fresh in visitors' minds.

7. A website helps you stay in touch with friends, family and acquaintances.
A website is a way for people to find you - not just people interested in your product, but in you personally. Friends, family and new acquaintances have a way to contact you that is stylish, functional and easier to remember than a phone number or email address that could change often.

Additionally, a nicely designed website that reflects your personality can be a source of pride for you. Choose a domain name that you like and which will remind people of you, then listen with pleasure as friends phoning you lead the conversation with, "I didn't know you did [x]! How interesting!" A good website puts your best face forward on the Web for all to see - and no mere phone number or email address can do that!

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