Small Business Web Sites

The area of having a web site for your small business is often overlooked or done very poorly. Perhaps you feel that since you already have a brick and mortar type of business, you do not need a web site.

It does not matter what type of small business that you own, retail, manufacturing, insurance, restaurants etc..

Having a web presence is important and can be used in so many different ways that in these days and times, it actually gives customers a sense of confidence in your business since they can look you up on the web.

Keep It Simple

Having a small business web site does not have to be expensive nor do you have to sell anything with it if you choose not to.

The purpose of your small business web site can be simple but multi- faceted.

Let People Know About Your Business Keep customers informed about changes or special offerings Sell products or services online as well as offline

Run contest, discounts or a guest Blog to keep customers interested

Keep Your Customers In Mind

Anything you do with your small business web site, do so from the customers point of view. Does your web site represent your business or is it just a bunch of non-sense?

Present your web site as an extension of your offline business. Keep the home page simple, direct and informative as to what the purpose of your business and web site is about.

Do not change the home page every day or week, only change the pages on the site that need updating or carry new products, specials or discounts and such.

When making any changes or adjustments be sure that all the links are working correctly. There is nothing more frustrating to a customer than to go on your web site and clinking on a link that interest them and it does not work.

Customer Service

Not only is customer service one of the most important aspects of your offline business, it is also extremely important for your web site as well.

Have a customer service or contact us link and page on your web site and be sure and respond to any inquires as quickly as possible.

Nothing frustrates a customer more then when they write in a question or inquire something from your web site and then have to wait 3 or 4 days for a reply.

A simple method to use to create ease of mind for your online customers is to add an auto-responder to your email account that automatically lets the customer know that you received their email and you will get back to them that day.

Running an offline business can keep you pretty busy, however be sure and check your email consistently through-out the day and respond to all your customers either by email or phone if they left you a number.

Treat all your customers, offline or online, just like you would want to be treated and your business will develop greatly in both areas.


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Casey Trillbar is the editor of makeawebsiteguide.com, which is a website aimed at supplying a step by step guide on how to make a website. http://www.makeawebsiteguide.com