Since the late-90s, every business was suddenly expected to have a website, whether or not they knew why. During this period of time, businesses got basic "brochureware" websites because they needed a website, and that was that. These websites were simple with little to no functionality and were as effective as posting your brochure in a forest and expecting your customers to find it. Now, fast forward 10 years to today, and a great deal has been learned about what works and what doesn't work online; coupled with increased consumer confidence and reliance of the Internet for day to day activities. That's why more and more small businesses are going online with highly functional, interactive websites to tap into a much larger customer base and compete against major companies from around the world.

 

"My biggest customer inquired on the Internet, he had no idea of our size. Without the Internet I would not have gotten that inquiry, so it has enabled me to expand my business."
Business Owner, Hermosa Beach Real Estate Developer

For small businesses who want to thrive in today's highly competitive global marketplace, establishing a compelling online presence won't be an optional venture for long. If your business depends on meeting the high expectations of today's tech-savvy consumers, presence on the Internet is quickly becoming a requirement. A recent survey conducted by Yahoo! revealed that approximately 92% of consumers who go online agreed that "it is important for a small business to have an Internet presence." Is your business being found online? This is an amazing opportunity for our thousands of small businesses around the world to compete globally and locally.

 

 

92% of consumers who go online agreed that "it is important for a small business to have an Internet presence."

According to eMarketer.com, 63% of online shoppers rely on the Internet as their primary source of shopping information, compared to only 10% who turn to newspapers and magazines and 5% for TV. The Internet allows consumers to do local research and locate products and services they require when they require them, which is why they believe every small business should have a website that works.

 

Consumers have a general affinity towards small businesses, with 80% of online shoppers stating they prefer to make purchases from small businesses. Furthermore, 63% of online shoppers said that small specialty retailers are the best place to find unique gifts, and 59% of online shoppers surveyed said they believe it is important for their favorite specialty retailers to have an online presence.

 

"It puts you all on the same level playing field, as your customers don't know how BIG you really are"

 

Today, small local businesses occupy the same search engine space large corporations do, creating a level playing field. The Internet is truly the greatest equalizer for small businesses as it now allows them to compete head to head against large corporations without the help of a large marketing budget. There are two critical elements which allow small businesses to compete successfully online: implementing an effective Internet Marketing strategy, and knowing their customers - small businesses owners have an innate understanding of their current and prospective customers. Perform keyword research to help you identify the keywords your customers are using to locate your business online.

 

 

This edition of the WSI Inside Edge has been brought to you by WSI, We Simplify the Internet

About WSI

Located in Manhattan Beach, WSI specializes in internet marketing and advertising.

 

Contact Greg Towsley:

310-909-8835 or Gregg@WSIQualitySolutions.com