Like many small business owners in Kenya, you may believe your business cannot benefit from having a professionally designed website. You may also believe that a website is expensive and thus not within your budget.
Or maybe you think because you don’t use a computer or internet enabled phone, neither do your potential clients.
These are all misconceptions.
Here are 8 reasons why your business NEEDS a professionally designed website, no matter the size of your business.
1. A PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED WEBSITE WILL GIVE YOUR BUSINESS MORE CREDIBILITY
Today, more and more consumers and potential clients use the internet to search for the products or services they need. If you lack a website listing your products, potential customers will go to your competitors who already have websites.
If you already have a "home-made" website, it is likely that it has not been designed to meet web standards. More and more consumers and especially the Kenyan youth are browsing the web using their mobile phones and if they cannot quickly find the information they need, they may as well leave and go to your competitors who have better websites.
Having the website professionally redesigned will provide your business with a competitive edge and reassuring image which will inspire even greater confidence.
For home-based businesses, websites are particularly of great benefit since you do not have a store front to promote your products or services.
2. A WEBSITE SAVES YOU MONEY
As a small business owner you probably think you can't afford a professional website.
The cost of designing a website in Kenya may vary from as low as Kshs.5,000, but once it's up and running, a website for a small business generally costs less than Ksh.500 a month to maintain. In some cases, the cost may even be as low as Kshs. 100.
Compared with the cost of a newspaper or Facebook ad, when you consider the potential market you can reach with a website, it is a very cost effective way to promote your business.
3. IT WILL ENABLE YOU TO KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS INFORMED
Think of your website as being your online brochure or catalogue. It is much easier and quicker to update information about your products and services on your website than in print media, making it an effective way of letting your customers know about the arrival of new products, upcoming events, special promotions, or any new services you now offer.
Unlike print ads which quickly become outdated, your website can provide current and up to date information and even news.
4. IT IS ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE
A website is available to both your regular and potential customers 24/7/365 providing them with the convenience of reviewing your products and services even when your store or office is closed. With today’s busy lifestyles and schedules, this is a great selling point when making a purchase decision.
5. A WEBSITE MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO TARGET A WIDER MARKET
Whether you provide products or services, your website will provide an alternative location to sell them.
As a retailer, a website (eCommerce) is a great place to sell your products to a wider market; even services can be made available globally. Don't think you'll be able to sell your products or services online? Don't forget, even cars and houses sell online!
6. IT PROVIDES A MEDIUM ON WHICH TO SHOWCASE YOUR WORK
No matter what type of business you’re in, a website is a great place to showcase yourwork. By including a portfolio or image gallery, as well as testimonials about your work, you can demonstrate what makes your business unique.
7. A WEBSITE SAVES YOU TIME
Providing information to your customers takes time, whether it’s on the phone, face-to-face, in a brochure, or in emails. With an online catalogue you can provide lots of information about your products and services. Once your website is up and running, it is available to your customers indefinitely, saving you time. And what is time? Time is money!
8. IT IMPROVES CUSTOMER SERVICE
Maybe you sell environmentally friendly products and would like to share tips on how to recycle, or perhaps you’re an accountant and want to give your clients advice on how to simplify their bookkeeping practices. By including a FAQ page, adding articles or uploading newsletters to answer all your customers' questions you can keep them up-to-date. What better way to provide them with value added service than by sharing information on your website.
This article was originally published by Group Kenya Business Solutions
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