1). Cheaper and more flexible than print advertising.
The Internet is a lot different from print advertising. It seems obvious, but most people don’t grasp that concept. If you think about it, it makes sense; Space is cheap, your advertisement is accessible for a longer period of time, the content can be changed without having to ask someone to do it for you (if you use a content management system) and you can potentially reach a wider audience.
This is not to say that you should not use other forms of advertising at all. You can use print advertising in creative ways. For example, to entice people to visit your website and find out about your company and your products / services.
2). Market Expansion.
The Internet has allowed businesses to break through the geographical barriers and become accessible, virtually, from any country in the world by a potential customer that has internet access. Now traditional businesses can start thinking outside the box at ways they can sell their products and services to a larger audience.
3). Availability.
No more turning customers away when its time to close shop or putting up an annoying note saying ‘Be back in 5 minutes’. Customers can visit your website 24 hours a day, seven days a week and find the information they are looking for.
4). Offer Convenience
It is far more convenient for a person to research a product or service on the Internet than it is to get in a car, drive somewhere, and look for, or ask someone for information. More and more buying decisions are being made online as a potential customer can visit your website whenever they like in their own privacy and comfort, without the stresses and distractions that exist in the real world . Your website is a self-service medium for potential consumers to service their buying needs.
5). Add Value and Satisfaction
By offering convenience, a point of reference, and that touch of individualized customer service, you ultimately add value to your offering and your customers experience a higher level of satisfaction. Your website can add value in other ways too, by featuring tips, advice, and general interest content.
6). Improve Credibility
A website gives you the opportunity to tell potential customers what you are about and why you deserve their trust and confidence. In fact, many people use the internet for pre-purchase research so that they can determine for themselves whether a particular supplier or brand is worthy of their patronage. The Internet also allows for Viral Marketing where your website visitors spread positive word-of-mouth about your business – your customers do your marketing!
7). Promote Your Brick & Mortar Presence
Getting lost trying to find a place can be frustrating for a potential customer. You can publish a map on your website, which shows directions and landmarks graphically, and the potential customer can print it out when looking for your Brick n Mortar premises. You might advertise a promotion on your website encouraging the visitor to visit your Brick n Mortar premises (e.g.. At a branch near you! ). Also, if you recently moved to a new location, you will have to wait for the next phone directory to come out before people figure out where you currently are. Because a website is flexible and you can change the content as you like, you have the ability to change your contact details instantly and lower the risk of losing customers when moving to a new location.
8). Two-Way Marketing
The internet and social media has opened a whole avenue of two-way marketing. Customers can quickly and easily give feedback on your products /services.
9). Cheap Market Research
You can use features on your website such as visitor polls, online surveys, and your website statistics to find out what your customers like and how they feel about certain aspects of your business. Use this free data to determine how you can improve your products / services, and the way you do business.
