It is hard to imagine that in today's online environment that there are companies out there that still don't believe that they require a company website - and if by chance they do have a website the website is so outdated and with website design techniques from 8 years ago.

We have just completed a cold calling campaign here in South Africa, calling customer's who do not have websites and offering them a special to get their business online. The most shocking revelation was the amount of companies who as soon as you mentioned website design stated "Sorry we do not require a website - we do not see the need to have one", though my best one was "That's ok I just send my customers to my suppliers website". What are we missing here? Are small companies in South Africa behind times or is this a global trend?

Well this did get me thinking, why does a company need an online presence, and the answer was so simple - free advertising. How many people today have a yellow pages sitting at home, or a business directory? I know that it is a hassle to get one. You don't automatically get one in the post (well not here in South Africa) and there is not one when you move into a new house or area. You have to get in your car drive down to the local post office or Telkom office and ask for one. Why bother - it is easier to go online and do a search for whatever service or product you are looking for. The really frightening thing is that small business seem to be behind the times - South Africa internet users are increasing exponentially very year.

How many business opportunities are these companies missing out on, just because they are not online. It makes one wonder why are these companies are spending thousands on advertising, but missing out on such a cost effective way of getting their business out there. It would seem to be that many smaller companies do not realise that they have an opportunity to increase their exposure just by being online.

Top 5 reasons why companies need a website.

1.      Free Advertising

2.      Publicity

3.      Ability to compete with larger companies

4.      Exposure to International Markets

5.      Provide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week accessibility

I could go on - but by looking at just these 5 reasons - how can any small business not see the benefit of investing in a small website for their company.

Author:

Tracy Theron

Website Designer - Small Business Owner www.websitedesignsa.co.za