In recent years we've seen a HUGE increase in the number of
small businesses owned by women. This growth has been so
dramatic that millions of people now think of a woman when they
visualize who owns the businesses they buy from.
Women everywhere deserve a big pat on the back for this amazing
accomplishment. But as is always the case for small business
owners, there is still a lot of work to be done.
The one thing your small business MUST have is a web site. Sure,
ten years ago having a site was an option many small businesses
could do without. But that is no longer the case. Here's why:
* These days consumers and business leaders are more likely to
use search engines than the Yellow Pages. They'll type the name
of your town and your type of business into Google and start
their research from there.
* A web site lets you put as MUCH information as you want in a
public forum. You no longer have to pay thousands for a big
newspaper ad just to let customers know about your prices, new
services, or show photos of what you do. Now you can keep all
that information available on your web site 24/7 at little or no
cost.
* You know as well as I do that most customers are a little shy
about asking questions. Often they don't even want you to know
they're interested until AFTER they have learned more about your
product, service, or idea. A web site allows that vast number of
potential customers to privately and anonymously read all about
your business. Then, when they're ready to buy, they'll come
forward with their questions and orders. This is a MUCH more
efficient way to do business, which leads to my next point.
* Web based business operations can be EXTREMELY EFFICIENT.
Customers often prefer convenient email over phone or in-person
visits. Email encourages customers to organize their ideas,
contacting you when they know what they want and are ready to
act. You'll find your web site generates many more customers and
the customers you get are better organized.
* Finally, women love to buy from women-owned businesses. Women,
as a group, tend to be less compulsive shopper than men. While a
large segment of men will buy an item on impulse, the vast
majority of women prefer to learn about your product or service,
getting all the details they can before placing an order. Web
sites are perfect for presenting a lot of information at very
little cost.
About the author:
Nina Menezes is a veteran web designer and successful small
business owner known for her fast work and high quality. She
will design your web site in 3 weeks, or it's free! See the
InterDream Designs site at
http://www.interdream-designs.com
Reach Nina at nina@interdream-designs.com or 416-250-1380.
