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The Best Tech Outsourcing Options for Your Small Busin

Author: admin
Categories: Small Business Technology

The Best Tech Outsourcing Options for Your Small Business

Author: Poppy Williams <poppy@techbizguide.com>

TechBizGuide.com  

At Keystone Business Brokers, we know your small business runs on your ideas, so it’s only natural that you want to do everything possible to maintain it. However, this can lead some entrepreneurs to take on more than they need to for their company.

Technology offers an extensive range of benefits for businesses, but are you over-investing in technology? Instead of spending time and money handling every aspect in-house, consider hiring a professional agency to manage your IT services, social media accounts, or network security.

Managed IT Services

Technology is the backbone of every successful business. With networks, software, and hardware all inter-reliant on each other, it’s easy to see how a minor IT issue could escalate into something serious very quickly.

Rather than trying to manage this yourself or hire an in-house employee to oversee the daily upkeep of your network, consider outsourcing your IT to a reputable agency. Your company will get the benefits of an in-house IT department without the burdens.

Social Media Management

It’s no secret that social media is a vital tool for businesses of any size. Well-managed Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social accounts help boost your company’s visibility with your target audience; however, the time commitment associated with managing social media for a business is enormous. Consider hiring a social media company to manage your accounts instead of losing precious time engaging with your audience on all fronts.

Network Security

Every company is a potential target for hackers due to the valuable information contained on its servers. Security should be one of your top priorities as a business owner, but you have more important things to do than monitor your network 24/7 for breaches or suspicious activity that could compromise your data. With managed services from a cybersecurity company, you can rest assured your network is monitored around the clock.

Website and Graphic Design Services

Since your website is one of the first things potential customers see when researching your company, you need to invest in its design. Instead of managing this task in-house or hiring a graphic designer to create a custom banner for your business website, you could use an online banner template such as Adobe Spark to create it yourself and save money.

Benefits of Outsourcing IT Solutions

When your small business needs help with its technology services or IT department, don’t hire an in-house employee or handle it yourself. Find a professional company to manage all your tech-related tasks so you can concentrate on what matters most: your business. 

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Vimeo and TikTok Partner to Drive Small Business Success with Video Ads

Author: admin
Categories: Marketing,Small Business News

https://press.vimeo.com/148496-vimeo-and-tiktok-partner-to-drive-small-business-success-with-video-ads

Vimeo and TikTok Partner to Drive Small Business Success with Video Ads

The partnership connects Vimeo’s powerful creation tools with TikTok Ads Manager; Vimeo is the first video software company to join the TikTok Marketing Partner Program

Vimeo (NASDAQ:VMEO), the world’s leading all-in-one video software solution, and TikTok, a leading destination for short-form mobile video, today announced a new partnership that integrates Vimeo’s powerful video tools with the TikTok platform. The partnership gives small and medium businesses (SMBs) everything they need to make effective video ads to engage customers while enabling them to take full advantage of Vimeo’s suite of video tools and the broad reach of the TikTok platform. In pre-release tests of the combined capabilities, participants saw up to 50% higher clickthrough rates compared to previous campaigns on other platforms and were able to double the number of videos they created in a short time span.

Vimeo is joining TikTok Marketing Partners, a group of vetted experts who create, implement, and measure TikTok ad campaigns. Vimeo is the first partner to be badged under TikTok’s all-new Creative Tools subcategory of Creative Partners, which helps brands produce creative assets that leverage TikTok’s best practices.

With this first-of-a-kind partnership between TikTok and a video software company, SMBs can now use Vimeo Create, an advanced AI-driven video production tool, to produce and publish ads directly into the TikTok Ad Manager in minutes. The companies also collaborated on developing custom video templates exclusively available in Vimeo Create, optimized for the TikTok platform.

Pre-Release Test Advertising

Ahead of the launch, Vimeo and TikTok invited small businesses to try Vimeo Create and advertise on TikTok for the first time. More than 85% of participants reported successful campaign results and plan to run additional TikTok campaigns. NaturalAnnie Essentials, a family-run, Bridgeport, CT-based soy candle company, saw a 5.5x increase in conversion rate within the first two weeks of the trial campaign when compared with other forms of online advertising.

“We’ve saved thousands of dollars, the stress of shipping candles to a production studio, and lots of headaches by using Vimeo for our TikTok ads,” said Annya White-Brown, CEO of NaturalAnnie Essentials. “Vimeo Create made it super easy— it was as simple as adding your assets to the templates to fit your brand. Now we create anywhere from 30-75 videos per month.”

TikTok gives small businesses opportunities to reach and attract wider communities where they spend their time today. However, the high level of user engagement on the platform creates a challenge for marketers who need to publish new content and ads with far more frequency than on other online channels. It’s recommended that businesses test new TikTok ad creative on a bi-weekly basis and that they post new organic TikTok videos multiple times a week – if not every day – to maximize their engagement.

“Vimeo and TikTok are solving one of the most significant pain points for SMBs in reaching customers — how to easily and affordably create professional-quality content at scale,” said Richard Bloom, SVP, Business Development, Vimeo. “We’re thrilled to be the first video creation platform to integrate with TikTok For Business and to expand the reach of Vimeo Create, so more businesses can engage even more customers online.”

“As small businesses recover and rebuild after a challenging year, TikTok is working on ways to make it easier to reach their community and grow their business,” said Melissa Yang, Head of Ecosystem Partnerships, TikTok. “Our partnership with Vimeo provides small businesses with simple, effective video tools that rival what the biggest brands in the world have access to — and they drive real results.”

Following the launch, Vimeo and TikTok plan to find more ways to join forces in helping every SMB succeed with video. This integration is available immediately to all Vimeo users.

Website Developers: Accularis Marketing Solutions     

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SBA Announces Entrepreneur, Investor, and Award-winning Entertainer Jennifer Lopez to Headline National Small Business Week Virtual Summit 2021

Author: admin
Categories: news,Small Business News

SBA Announces Entrepreneur, Investor, and Award-winning Entertainer Jennifer Lopez to Headline National Small Business Week Virtual Summit 2021

September 13, 2021, | Release Number 21-85

Contact U.S. Small Business Administration at Press_Office@sba.gov

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced that Jennifer Lopez, entrepreneur, investor, award-winning singer, actress, dancer, and producer, will headline this year’s National Small Business Week (NSBW). Ms. Lopez will join SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman in “Pathways to Entrepreneurship: A Fireside Chat,” moderated by Maria Teresa Kumar, MSNBC contributor, to discuss entrepreneurship and engagement in this new economy.

“I’m excited that Jennifer Lopez is joining us to headline National Small Business Week to discuss her journey as a successful entrepreneur and share her thoughts about how we can help small businesses continue to power our nation’s economy,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize that Latinx entrepreneurs are starting businesses at incredible rates and celebrate the diversity in our economy.  SBA is committed to ensuring all entrepreneurs have access to the capital, markets, and networks that they need to launch and grow. We are honored that Ms. Lopez is sharing her insights and shining a light on entrepreneurship to inspire the next generation of aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams of business ownership. With our small businesses leading the way, we can build our economy back better.”

In the Fireside Chat, SBA Administrator Guzman and Ms. Lopez will discuss pathways to entrepreneurship and the SBA’s initiatives and plans to support our small businesses impacted by COVID and new startups seeking to launch.

Ms. Lopez’s participation finalizes SBA’s full speaker line-up for National Small Business Week, including entrepreneur Mark Cuban, Chef José Andrés, White House Senior Advisor, and Director of the Office of Public Engagement Cedric Richmond, and other business and elected leaders.

Biography for Jennifer Lopez, Entrepreneur, Investor, and Entertainer:

Jennifer Lopez is an award-winning actress, producer, singer, entertainer, and businesswoman who has helped to build billion-dollar brands and has established herself in film, music, television, and business as one of the most influential artists in history.  As a fashion icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Jennifer Lopez has been named to the TIME 100 list, Forbes’ “Most Powerful Celebrity,” and was the first to grace People Magazine’s cover for “Most Beautiful Woman in the World.” With a career spanning over two decades at the top of every field, Jennifer Lopez is cemented in history as a global icon and the ultimate multihyphenate.

National Small Business Week Virtual Summit (NSBW)

Administrator Guzman announced National Small Business Week 2021 in a news release last month. The free, three-day conference takes place in a virtual atrium and features a series of educational panels on best practices for small businesses to pivot and recover in a changing economy.   NSBW events this year provide a forum for business owners to get expert advice, learn new business strategies, connect with industry experts, and meet other business owners as they look to pivot and recover.

For more information about the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit, please visit http://www.sba.gov/NSBW.  All events are live-streamed and used the event hashtag #SmallBusinessWeek.

—

Cosponsorship Authorization #21-21-C. SBA’s participation in this Cosponsored Activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any Cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance, by contacting smallbusinessweek@sba.gov. SCORE is partially funded by SBA Cooperative Agreement No. SBAHQ-14-S-0001.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Website Developers: Accularis Marketing Solutions     

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5 reasons you need a business plan

Author: admin
Categories: Small Business Management

5 reasons you need a business plan

By U.S. Small Business Administration Category: SBA News and Views

If you are starting a small business, there is no shortage of advice on the steps you should take: registering your business name, getting a Tax ID, deciding on a business structure, and applying for the needed permits and licenses. While these are all very important steps to take, a business plan will be central to how you start, grow and develop your business.

Here are 5 reasons why you need a business plan:

1. It will help you steer your business as you start and grow.

Think of a business plan as a GPS to get your business going. A good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business. You’ll use your business plan as a GPS for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. It’s a way to think through and detail all the key elements of how your business will run.

2. It’s not as hard as you think.

A business plan is a written tool about your business that projects 3-5 years ahead and outlines the path your business intends to take to make money and grow revenue. Think of it as a living project for your business, and not as a one-time document. Break it down into mini-plans – one for sales and marketing, one for pricing, one for operations, and so on.

3. It will help you to reach business milestones.

A well-thought-out business plan helps you to step back and think objectively about the key elements of your business and informs your decision-making as you move forward. It is essential whether you need to secure a business loan or not. Keep in mind that the plan does not have to be like an encyclopedia and does not have to have all the answers.

4. It can help you get funding.

Business plans can help you get funding or bring on new business partners. Having one in place will help investors feel confident that they will see a return on their investment. Your business plan is the tool you will use to persuade others that working with you (or investing in your business) is a smart decision.

5. There’s no wrong way to write a business plan.

There is no right or wrong way to write a business plan. You can pick a plan format that works best for you. What’s important is that your business plan meets your needs. Most business plans fall into one of two common categories: traditional or lean startup.

Traditional business plans are more common, use a standard structure, and encourage you to go into detail in each section. Traditional plans tend to require more work upfront. Lean startup business plans are less common but still use a standard structure. They focus on summarizing only the most important points of the key elements of your plan. They can take as little as one hour to make and are typically just one page.

Because knowing where to start can be challenging, the SBA has tools to help make writing a business plan less intimidating and time-consuming. The SBA offers a Business Plan Tool that helps simplify the process. The tool consists of eight easy-to-follow steps to help create a well-prepared plan.

To learn more about putting your business plan together, go to the SBA’s Online Learning Center and take the self-paced course on How to Write a Business Plan. The course explains the importance of business planning, describes the components of a plan and provides access to resources and sample plans. You can also take a look at the SBA’s Business Planning Guide for more information and to view business plan templates.

If you want a more hands-on approach, you can get assistance from an SBA resource partner to help complete your business plan. Working with a mentor or counselor from SCORE, a Small Business Development Center or a Women’s Business Center can help with all aspects of starting, growing, or expanding your business.

Website Developers: Accularis Marketing Solutions     

https://www.accularis.com               856-793-9440

Host Platform: BlueHost.com

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The Future is Streaming Video Marketing

Author: NSantarone
Categories: Marketing

The Future is Streaming Video Marketing

The trends in online marketing have consistently shown growth in using promotional video for both B2C and B2B marketing. Approximately 90% of all information processed by our brains is visual. It is easier for consumers to digest and retain visual information rather than text material. Viewers claim they retain 95% of a message when obtained via video. (Social Media Week)

The most successful videos are those that are easy to understand and are direct to the point. Before creating a video determine who is your target demographic and what is your message. Videos that are generalized for multiple demographics are less effective.

Once you have a series of videos you can use them in a plethora of channels to be viewed by potential buyers. For starters you can place videos on your company’s landing page this gives customers and prospects a clearer reason to purchase your products or services. You can greet the viewer and introduce your organization establish confidence and explain why they should do business with you. Other videos can demonstrate your products, testimonials by satisfied customers, and promotional advertising. The biggest and most effective social media channels are YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik-Tok, and LinkedIn.

Small business owners have two options when implementing a marketing video strategy, they can hire an outside firm to produce the video which you can find online.

If you choose to create your own videos using the technology now available read my blog article Marketing Your Business With Video 02/15/2 < https://kbizbrokers.com/2021/02/15/marketing-your-business-with-video/ >. This posting will give you an overview of how to produce a video on your own. Prior to joining Keystone Business Brokers, I was a member of the business faculty at Penn State University where I taught marketing. Students taking the Advertising and Sales Promotion Management course were required to produce a promotional video for a local business in the Abington PA area. Below are examples of some of the projects that the students created. Remember these were not art or creative students, but marketing management students. With basic simple software tools, they were able to create these advertising videos and you can too.

Our Family Cafe.  < https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/100336918 >

Attractive Properties.  < https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/147528467 > 

Foster’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling  < https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/147528469 >

By 2022 it is estimated that 82% of all internet traffic will come from video streaming. Will you be ready?

Announcement

If you’re a business blogger and you would like to contribute articles to appear on our site, please contact Dennis Hassis the Agent Manager   dennis@kbizbrokers.com. Your name and website will appear on the post. We look forward to hearing from you.

   Website Developers: Accularis Marketing Solutions

 https://www.accularis.com        856-793-9440

Host Platform: BlueHost.com

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Researching Your Competitive Marketplace to Gain Advantage By Using Porter’s 5 Forces

Author: NSantarone
Categories: Small Business Management,Uncategorized

Researching Your Competitive Marketplace to Gain Advantage

By Using Porter’s 5 Forces

The small business arena has been in flux for well over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Huge shortages of products during the early stages and the reluctance of consumers to go out in public.  Many resilient entrepreneurs during the pandemic have become creative in offering deliveries, outside dining, and revamping their inventories.  In this new streamlined economy, small businesses must keep adapting to the changes that are inevitably coming.

A great analyzing tool is “Porter’s 5 Forces” which is a model developed by Michael Porter of the Harvard School of Business.  It looks at five competitive market elements of your business allowing you to fine-tune operational strategies.  

When developing your strategy using these five strategies conceived by Professor Porter the small business owner can develop a superior competitive strategy. 

 Porter’s 5 Forces

Suppliers Bargaining PowerThe characteristics of your supply chain are a big factor in the amount of control that the suppliers have over buyers.  The fewer suppliers the greater control they have over the pricing and distribution of products.  When many suppliers are offering the same type of products and costs for changing to a competing supplier are low, a company can increase its profits by switching vendors.

Buyers Bargaining Power

When buyers’ Bargaining power is high they have numerous buying options. If there are choices limited they have limited power.  When a competitor can supply a product that is identical or a substitute for an existing one at a lower price the buyer has a choice. 

Substitute Threats

During the current pandemic, the supply chain was unable to keep up with demand.  As we all remember many products were not available and substitutions became a standard practice.  Some of those substitutions proved to be better than the ones we were used to purchasing.  

Industry Competitors Rivalry

If a product is generic and there are many competitors in the marketplace each supplier has to determine what makes their product appeal to customers.  Knowing what customer base you are targeting will give you an edge. Quality, low price, distribution method, and services offered are factors to consider.  When competing with a large corporation that has a competitive advantage a small company should offer boutique products that the larger firms are ignoring.  An example is the proliferation of craft breweries.

New Entrants Threat

Barriers to entering a new venture can be high or low depending on the type of organizations are currently holding the dominant market shares. Porter states that economies of scale are an advantage to large enterprises due to their ability to produce on a large scale reducing the cost per unit.

Capital requirements are a factor in the new entry of competitors entering the marketplace.  Production of custom products on a small scale using new technology such as 3D printers creates a niche for small producers.  They can advertise through social media and distribute through online vendors.  There is usually little threat of retaliation by large producers since these are low production items. 

If businesses periodically review Porter’s 5 forces and adjusting their strategies to the changing economic conditions, they will have a competitive advantage over their rivals.

Citation

Porter, Michael E. “The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy.” Special Issue on HBS Centennial. Harvard Business Review 86, no. 1 (January 2008): 78–93.

Website Developers: Accularis Marketing Solutions     

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Critical Data Protection Tips to Keep Your Customers Safe

Author: admin
Categories: Small Business Technology

We have a guest writer Poppy Williams who is a blog writer for Realtyspace

(http://realtyspace.codefactory47.com)

Keystone Business Brokers can help you find the perfect business or commercial property for your needs. Contact us at (866) 744-0720.

pastedGraphic.png

Photo via Pexels

Critical Data Protection Tips to Keep Your Customers Safe

Is your business at risk of a data breach? Small businesses are more vulnerable to security breaches than their bigger counterparts. Because small businesses often lack the resources to combat security issues, hackers and identity thieves get away with these crimes far too often. Sadly, a customer data breach could spell the end of your small business. 

Whether your business is the victim of a major cyberattack or a few sensitive documents are stolen out of your recycling bins, a data breach can destroy your reputation, provoke lawsuits, and generate punitive fines. But fear not — here are some great tips from Keystone Business Brokers to keep your customer data safe!

Don’t Neglect Physical Document Security

In the digital age, people have become preoccupied with digital security — and rightly so! Every smartphone, tablet, computer, server, and Wi-Fi connection can give hackers a point-of-entry into your business. But Accusoft notes that it’s easy to overlook the physical security of sensitive data, like those paper records you keep in a filing cabinet in the corner of your office. 

There are a number of steps you can take to ensure your physical documents are kept secure. First, restrict access to paper files with locked cabinets and storerooms. When printing sensitive documents, retrieve your papers immediately and clear the printer archives regularly. It’s also a good idea to establish a policy for how long your documents are kept.

Shredding documents you no longer need is one of the best ways to reduce the risk that someone will mistakenly or deliberately come across them. It’s best practice to destroy all paper documents as soon as they become unnecessary. Instead of wasting valuable time tackling this mundane task yourself, consider outsourcing. 

Secure Your Digital Presence

Your business’ online security is just as important as your offline security. However, protecting your digital presence is a lot more complicated than securing and shredding physical documents. This is why many business owners solicit help from cybersecurity professionals. Whether you’re looking for someone to assess your digital security strategy or you need help complying with legal data protection regulations, talking to a professional is your best bet. 

Beyond this, make sure you take the basic steps to secure your business online. Avast recommends creating strong, unique passwords for each and every account you own and enabling multi-factor authentication whenever possible. It’s also important to encrypt your customer data, especially when it comes to payment information.

Safeguard Your Devices

All of your personal and business devices can offer hackers a doorway into your sensitive data. Be sure to protect all of your devices — smartphones and Wi-Fi routers included — to prevent hackers from gaining unauthorized access. Lifewire suggests that one way to do this is to enable the firewall on your Wi-Fi router and computer. Next, install antivirus software on all of your devices to continuously scan for and stop real-time threats, and keep it updated. Hackers can also gain access to your devices through phishing emails, so make sure you and your employees know how to spot and avoid these.

Get Schooled

As a leader you know the importance of getting as much information as possible when it comes to securing data and business systems. To understand the nuts and bolts of cybersecurity and other areas of IT, consider taking online courses from a reputable and accredited school like Western Governors University, which offers IT degrees. Areas of study include data analytics and cybersecurity, and some programs offer specialized degrees such as cloud computing, as well as cross-discipline degrees such as an MBA in IT management. The great thing about learning online is that you can do so at your own pace and at your own place, allowing you to continue working your own schedule.

Protecting your customer data should be your top priority. After all, data is an incredibly valuable asset that can help you improve your products, maximize your profits, and boost your customer satisfaction. If that data is compromised in any way, you could be facing some serious consequences. Stay on top of data security to protect the longevity of your business. 

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The Democratization of Advertising

Author: NSantarone
Categories: Marketing,Small Business Technology

Photo by Tracy Le Blank, Pexels

The Democratization of Advertising

Advertising has been with us since ancient times. The advertisers posted their messages on walls and printed pieces of papyrus which were handouts. Examples of this can be viewed at Pompeii the city in Southern Italy destroyed by the explosion of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD.

In the middle ages signage with drawings was used to identify small businesses. The invention of the printing press was a leap forward for commercial advertising. Promotional marketing evolved into other forms of media such as broadcasting, billboards, high-volume print ads with large circulation periodicals which were all very expensive and not suited for small businesses.

In today’s marketplace technology has been the stimulant for entrepreneurs to bypass expensive ad agencies and national media. Now the independent business-person can create their local advertising on various platforms. The available platforms have made it relatively easy for start-ups, small and mid-level businesses to advertise.

SCORE recommends the following platforms.

In my previous article, I covered LinkedIn and Twitter which I recommended for B2B (business-to-business) marketers.

Facebook www.facebook.com

Unlike LinkedIn which is primarily a B2B marketing site, Facebook’s audience is the consumer. Once you establish your presence on this platform you will need to create a following. Posting display ads, offering limited-time discounts, and featuring new products will draw customers.

YouTube www.youtube.com

Videos are one of the best mediums to get your message to your customers. Both individuals and business buyers view videos. Most people prefer to watch an informative video rather than reading text.

Instagram www.intstagram.com

This is a photo-sharing site that appeals to a younger audience. You can create visual stories about your business, products, and services you offer.

Pick one platform that works well for your business before trying others. Develop a strategy, follow it through, and track results.  Most of the sites offer tools to help you streamline your site.

Website Creation by ACCULARIS < https://www.accularis.com >

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A Streamlined B2B Advertising Strategy for Small Business

Author: NSantarone
Categories: Marketing

A Streamlined B2B Advertising Strategy for Small Business

The average entrepreneur is knowledgeable about their specific services and products that they offer for sale. They are usually out of their area of expertise when it comes to promoting their businesses. This article limits using the many types of advertising media and focusing on the three most productive.

The first step in creating an effective marketing strategy is building a company website. This site should describe your company’s location, the product line, and the benefits offered to the client. If you’re not skilled with websites you can hire a consulting firm to set up your site.

When the website is operational the next step is to establish a presence on social media. Social media is a vehicle to create awareness of your brand, and bring prospects to your website. Once a prospect views your site and learns about your company and its offerings you have a potential customer.

The internet offers a plethora of social media platforms, but be selective, and concentrate on just a few. For the B2B marketplace, I recommend the following three promotional tactics LinkedIn, Twitter, and Direct-Mail.

1. LinkedIn < https://business.linkedin.com/grow >

LinkedIn is without a doubt the best platform for small businesses to connect with other businesses both large and small. This provider offers you the ability to direct your message to the targeted geographic location, industry, and demographic.

2.Twitter < https://business.twitter.com/en/advertising.html >

Once you develop a following on LinkedIn you can create a list on Twitter and develop relationships with prospective customers. Twitter allows you to make frequent short announcements about new promotions and updates to your brand.

3. Direct Mail < https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15776-direct-mail-marketing-guide-for-small-businesses.html >

Similar to Twitter this medium also gives the sender the ability to communicate directly with customers and prospects, but direct mail allows the sender to transmit more detailed promotional material. This would include eye-catching color graphics, special offers, and more product information.

This article is a brief outline of a lean strategy that most small businesses can pursue. For more details click on the website links in this article.

Website Creation by ACCULARIS < https://www.accularis.com >

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Do You Really Need a Website?

Author: admin
Categories: Marketing

The following post was copied from The Hartford’s website, Business Owners Playbook.  

https://www.thehartford.com/business-insurance/strategy/building-website/10-reasons-need-website.   

Do You Really Need a Website?

The answer is yes. There aren’t many businesses that can survive without a Web presence and there’s no reason not to have a website. Your company’s website can be a highly effective marketing tool that can be very cost-efficient. There are quite a few benefits and very little downsides.

 

Ten Things Your Website Can Do (for Starters)

There are many things you can do with your website, here are 10  good starting points:

 

  1. Create a presence. Who knows about your business? Where can prospects and clients go to learn more? Your website can help establish your business as a going concern, communicate your brand value proposition and it can convey professionalism. It also extends your reach to anyone in the world.
  2. Help build trust. New clients and prospects might want to know about your business history, your expertise, and your specialization. This is a great vehicle for people to learn more and attain that comfort level they seek.
  3. Get listed on search engines. Build your website incorporating search engine optimization (SEO) techniques so that you can easily be found by people searching for relevant keywords. This can be an important gateway to expanding your business.
  4. Point of contact. Your website provides customers an easy way to contact you and learn more about your products, services, and business.
  5. Leverage social networks. Implement a social media strategy to reach a larger audience and to create more buzz about your biz. Establish your presence on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Facebook likes and shares can drive people to your website. Links to popular or topical items from or to your website will add to its relevance.
  6. Sell products. If your business lends itself to online sales, create a virtual store as an alternative or complement to a storefront or office location.
  7. Share the latest news. Whenever there are new developments regarding your business, update your website. Sites that have fresh, relevant, and timely information draw users back more often.
  8. Blog. Keep your website fresh and keep drawing people in with regular Blog posts. Show your expertise, share insights and provide practical tips on topics relevant to your business  or to your customers
  9. Learn about customers. Learn about their needs, preferences, and interests. Establish and nurture two-way communication with prospects and clients. This will forge a deeper bond and serve them better.
  10. Customer convenience. Providing customers with multiple ways to interact with your business is almost mandatory these days. Anything less could result in lost sales.

Common Concerns and Questions About Small Business Websites

It’s natural to have questions and concerns about setting up a website. Cost is a common one. Beyond an up-front fee to design the website, the ongoing costs can be minimal. And considering the long-term benefits, a website will provide, the cost to design a good website should be well worth it.

 

Other concerns often relate to a business not being web-oriented or that it wouldn’t sell goods online. The answer to these concerns is that a business website can provide so many more benefits. Establishing trust, strengthening your brand, forging better customer relations, and informing a wider group of people about your business’s capabilities are all key benefits.

 

Another common concern is that you don’t have much content to add for frequent updates or you don’t have time to blog. The short answer is that you don’t need to. Sure, more activity and frequently refreshed content can generate more interest, but any Web presence is probably better than none. Once you have a basic website, you can always add to it, as your business and resources grow.

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