Websites: Small Businesses Profit from Online Marketing Efforts

Kansas City—Freelance writer and online marketer Phyllis Edson said today that small businesses need to start investing in online marketing strategies and the first step is to develop a website. 

     “Small businesses are lagging behind in investing in a business website.  Only about 50 percent of small businesses in the U.S. have websites,” said Edson.

     There are many reasons for small businesses to invest in developing a business website. 

     First, consumers are online.  A consumer research study found that 97 percent of U.S. consumers research products, services and businesses online before they buy. If your business is not online, consumers won't find you.  

     Second, the competition has website. Nearly half of small businesses have a website.  If potential consumers are searching online, they may find your competition instead of you.

     Lastly, it’s all marketing. Think of a website as an investment in marketing.  A website can not only provide information but can be used as an appointment tool, a communication device in which customers can ask questions and be the anchor for a larger online marketing strategy.

     “Investing in a website is a small investment to make in the future of business,” said Edson.