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Web Design and Development
Recent statistics have shown that between 60 and 70% of the consumer market uses the internet to research products and services to make an informed decision before making a purchase. As a small business, a web site is the single most cost-effective method of promoting your products and services. Just having a web site isn't enough though, you also need to promote your site everywhere that you advertise, such as on business cards, flyers and even your quotes and invoices.
Ten years ago, having a web site was a novelty for most companies. Today, it's a necessity. If you aren't promoting your online presence, you're essentially invisible to approximately two-thirds of the buying market.
We offer free consulting for companies looking to build or upgrade their web site. It is our mission to provide cost-effective options for design and development based on your business needs.
What to Include on Your Web Site
For the average small business that doesn't plan to provide an online store (e-commerce), a web presence should usually include the following:
- Information about your company, mission statement, and your target audience or market.
- Your company's complete contact information: mailing address, store locations and hours of operation, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses.
- Detailed product and service information, including pricing if applicable.
Many companies also include various custom tools that allow clients and customers to obtain quotes or estimates online, place orders, or review testimonials about their services. The point of a web site is not just to be noticed, but to provide a way for your customers to make an informed decision about your products, and encourage them to pursue the best possible path to purchasing.
The Importance of Good Design
Many companies make the mistake of investing very little into their web site, just to "get one up". Almost every client that we work with who has an existing web site, expresses a certain level of dissatisfaction with the current site, and wishes that they had invested the time and money into a proper design when it was first set up.
It's estimated that the average internet user makes a decision about the quality of a company's products or services within five seconds of viewing a site. That's a short time to make a lasting impression.
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