Web Site Primer

Why Have a Web Site?

There are many reasons to have a web site, and it is important that you understand the ones you have so that you create it properly for that purpose and do not expect unreasonable things from it! Only the value of web sites for small businesses is discussed here - they also have value for indidiviuals and non-commercial organizations but that is another story.

The first thing you need is a presence on the internet in order for potential customers to find you and contact you. At the very minimum you need an email address and a listing in the search engines that let's you get found when someone is looking for you. If that is all you want, a simple one page site with an overview of your business, your contact information, and a contact form is enough to start.

If you want more for your web site, you need to decide what purpose it will have and what resources you can commit. Web sites typically have the following functions:

To advertise the existence of your business and the products or services you offer.

To market the benefits of one your business over others like it.

To provide information of general nature to educate consumers (like this page).

To provide a catalog of products for prospective buyers to view.

To promote a specific product or price offering.

To define an image for your company (maybe it is just keeping up with the competition).

To make sales 24 hours/day 7days/week through the internet.

To provide customer support for products and services already sold.

To deliver services online in real time.

Understanding what you expect your site to accomplish is critical to establishing the right kind of web site for your business.

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