Why Your Small Business Needs an Active Website and Blog

In this digital era there are few businesses that do not have a website. But having a site that displays some information, one that never changes, is not the same as having a dynamic site that builds a buzz and advertises your company. So really your business doesn’t just need a website, but it needs on that is regularly updated and impresses people.

To have a good website, you’ll have to invest money and time, So what is your return? Well if done right, your return can be greater than any other single thing you could do to build your business.

Convey an Image

Your website can convey a business image. The more professional and well designed, the better it looks for your business. Your company logo on the site and the site itself, become a branding tool.

Company Blog

When you setup a website, you’re also creating a platform for your business blog. A blog is just a section of your site dedicated to providing information to and networking with clients and colleagues.

ZapposBlog

Public Relations

The blog is your centralized point for all business information. If someone is interested in your company they’re more likely to access your website first, before calling your company. The blog is where you can show visitors what you do, and why they should stick with you.

From a public relations point of view a blog puts you in a great position to refute negative press attention. You can give your side of the story, or publish a public apology, all the while controlling how it will be said and when.

Become an Expert

A business website and blog can also be used to make your company stand out. With well-written knowledgeable posts you can emphasize your expertise.

You can use your website to highlight new awards, events, and accomplishments. Show off your client list and let people know the bigger companies you work with or supply to. Publish any white papers you have to show that you are an innovator in your field.

IBMInformation

Build a Community

Along with a central point for information, your blog creates a central gathering point for visitors. You can leverage these visitors to create a community for your company. Combined with Social Media tools, your blog can build a buzz for new products or services you want to offer.

Networking with your blog community opens a host of possibilities. You never know when a site visitor will be your next client, or refer your company to their friend.

The Investment

Surprisingly, the initial investment and upkeep of a site that allows you to control public relations, find new clients, and make your company stand out, is relatively low.

To setup a new website you need two things, a domain name and a web host. Registering a domain name costs only $9.99 a year from . For hosting (the company that keeps all your website files and makes them accessible online) I highly suggest HostGator. They charge $12.95 for a comprehensive package.

All together, to get a basic website up and running it will cost you $166 a year.

Optionally, you can consider hiring a web designer to setup and design your blog and website. The average cost of a good web designer is between $500 and $3,000, depending on what you want.

Whether you decide to setup your site on your own, or pay a web designer, you should insist on using the free blogging software, WordPress. If you want to learn more on how to setup your blog, you can read my post “Basics of Setting Up a New Blog“.

Did your website evolve your company? Leave a comment and let us know.