1. Present a Professional Image

For any business, a professionally designed web site is a great way of instilling trust and confidence and looking larger than you actually are! In this information age where information can be accessed over the internet and mobile phones anywhere anytime, having an online presence is vital.  More so when the completion is leveraging on the internet.

2. Reach New Markets across the Shores

The coming of the internet age has shrunk the world in terms of products and service offerings a customer has access to. Your business visibility does not have to be limited to your location anymore. Potential customers across the globe can see the products and services you have to offer and it is the most cost effective option for both the business and the customer.

3. Open 365 Days a Year, 24/7

Your business website is like your marketing manager working for you every day of the year and round the clock!  Customers have access to your business information through your website in the time when they want it!

2. Your Online Brochure / Catalogue

Imagine printing and distributing a Brochure and Catalogue to 1 million potential customers; after identifying that they are potentials! It’s definitely a Herculean task and think of the costs! A brochure or a product catalogue presented in a professional manner on your business website not only draws potential customers, but also helps in saving on the costs and doing your bit for planet Earth! The other advantage is the ease at which you could change it to offer new products/services or offer a discount.

4. Improved Customer Service

The new age customer has a busy life packed with commute, work, family commitments, entertainment, sports etc. Customers have also become more demanding on the quality of service offered. Providing information about services, products, frequently asked questions and enabling him to buy/book your products/services, request for a quote, download invoices etc in his own time will be a real help.  This not only saves cost for the business by not maintaining additional staff; and more importantly this still keeps working 24/7 - even when your physical office is closed!

6. Sell your products to a wider audience

Due to hectic work schedules and time consumed for commute, more and more people are turning to their computers or smart phones to shop.  Having an online store not only works out cheaper than renting a physical building, fitting it out, employing sales but also gives your business a global exposure than the physical locale you are selling your products.  The people of a whole country if not the whole world are your potential customers!

7. Advertise your services

Needless to say setting up a well designed website is the most cost effective way to advertise your business. Accountants, Architects, Interior Designers, Lawyers, Doctors, Physiotherapists, Realtors and all service oriented businesses can take the best advantage of the internet to grow their business. Millions of users are referring to the web and are using company's websites to make major decisions when they need a specialized service.

8. Generate leads by gathering information

Your business website can be the best source of leads for your business. Bu making potential customers fill out forms and surveys, you get to know a lot more about them and can offer your services in the best way they need.

 The economy of most of the countries of this world is growing. More and more people in these countries can afford services and products and they are on the look out for the best price, quality and service. Thousands are turning to the internet to compare and buy services/products. A professional website is very important for today’s business to stay ahead of the competition and take it to greater heights. 

It’s more than how much a telephone connection mattered to a business 20 years back.

The Author is the Founder and Managing director of Xithi Technologies Pvt. Ltd, which offers businesses with professional website design and development services.