This may seem a strange question for us to suggest you ask, but it is worth thinking about. Can every business benefit from having a web site?

The answer is yes, but only if the cost of having a web site cannot be spent more effectively or more efficiently on other more direct methods of advertising or doing business.

A web site is only another method of promoting your products and services. It is not a replacement for current advertising and marketing campaigns.

There is no question that having a web site is more critical for some businesses than others. If you want to reach a wider audience in a larger geographic area than having a web site is crucial.

That doesn't mean that local businesses can't also benefit from having a web site. Having a web site that shows your location, or lists your services, or even offers special promotions is a strong marketing tool.

Basically, if you want to expand your customer base, than having a web site can't hurt.

It isn't surprising that having a web site is becoming a part of the basic marketing plan for most businesses. Having a web site can be an inexpensive way to:

Help customers find you - your address and phone number.
Persuade customers that you have the service or product that is right for them (after all, a web site is a no pressure way to sell your business).
Sell products online.
Promote special offers or discounts to customers.

You will want to approach designing your web site just as you would any other marketing tool. Use colour, graphics, photos and words to get across the most important information about your business, like:

Where customers can find you.
What you provide for customers.
Who your customers are.
How your business is unique from others who provide the same product or service.
The personality of your company - what does your company stand for?