The Internet is a powerful resource that, if properly used, can
reduce your operating costs, stimulate sales and add to your
bottom line. Research shows that the Internet is playing a
greater role in the way small companies operate. It’s also
playing an increasing role in driving profitability for smaller
businesses.
According to a recent study by ACNielsen and eBay, 51 percent of
small businesses using the Internet believe it has helped them
become more profitable. Fifty-eight percent of them report that
using the Internet has helped their companies grow or expand,
and 15 percent feel that using the Internet is necessary for
the survival of their business.
Boosting Your Bottom Line With Your Website
An effective strategy for using the Internet to enhance your
company’s bottom line is to maximize your presence on the Web.
More specifically, turn your Website into a virtual work horse
for handling marketing/advertising, sales and customers service
functions. Here are key points to keep in mind concerning these
areas:
· Marketing/Advertising - A Website is like having a business
card, brochure and advertisement in one powerful package.
It’s the ultimate marketing tool because it gives you an
affordable, effective way to market your company — worldwide.
Having an effective Website is also an easy, beneficial way
to advertise your business. The advantage of using a Website
as opposed to other methods of advertising is the difference
between having an active or passive audience. People visiting
your Website are an active audience, and are curious about
what you’re offering. On the other hand, print ads,
telemarketers, or mass mailings are geared toward connecting
with a passive audience. If your Website effectively provides
information about your products, services and company, this
can lead to sales.
· Sales - Many small businesses view the Internet as a
powerful sales tool. In fact, 33 percent of small business
owners use the Internet to sell goods and services online,
and 43 percent find sales prospects online, according to
the ACNielsen/eBay study. The good news is that your Website
doesn’t have to actually process transactions online to
enhance sales. Your site can provide valuable product
information and take online orders, and then complete the
sale through the mail or at a retail location.
· Customer Service – A Website can help you reduce many basic
customer service tasks you or your employees handle manually.
By owning a Website, your office staff will spend less time
handling faxes, mail and routine phone calls about your
products/services, operating hours, location, directions,
etc. Just think: If an $8-an-hour employee saves just three
hours a week, this could add up to more than $1,200 a year.
On top of that, you’ll also spend less money on paper,
printing, postage and advertising.
It is not a coincidence that more and more businesses are using
the Internet to boost their bottom line.
|
