Could Not Having a Website Hurt Your Business? (Part 1 of 2)

in Digital marketing
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It’s been estimated that between 50 to 60 percent of small businesses don’t have websites, and are content with word-of-mouth marketing— especially if they only cater to local clientele. Yet, statistics show that over 90 percent of consumers these days search online for products and services. So a good many of you are truly missing out because your competitors are using local Internet marketing. Declining a web presence means that the customers who aren’t finding you online will be finding them. Read on to learn several ways that the lack of a website is actually costing you business.

CREDIBILITY 
Referrals are a wonderful thing, but what happens after someone refers you? The first thing a prospective client will do is check the Internet for you. They will do a search for your site as well as reviews. Even though you have a fabulous small business that's been around for years, if they come up with no website you've lost the opportunity to connect with that person. Right or wrong, the fact is that people prejudge companies based on their websites, and having a good web presence will provide credibility to "offline" referrals.

RE-ESTABLISHING CONTACT
Some new clients may actually be old customers who used your services or products in the past and would like to use you again, but may have lost your contact information. Locating your website is much less painless than digging through scraps of paper for an old phone number.

An assertive web presence should be a crucial part of your small business marketing strategy. Stay tuned for Part II.

  • “As a Chamber of Commerce, it is important to work with companies who are not only professional and trustworthy, but also provide accurate, prompt and courteous service. The staff at Graphic Impact have accomplished all of these traits during our relationship of over 10 years.”

    “Graphic Impact did an incredible job in creating our city map and “Simply Troy” Quality of Life book. It has been a real pleasure working with the professional and courteous staff at Graphic Impact. Even under some of the toughest deadlines the quality is unsurpassed and the attention to every detail makes the ultimate difference.”

    Sabra Johnson, Executive Director, Troy Area Chamber of Commerce
  • I engaged Graphic Impact on several projects that included brand development, marketing brochures and advertisement development. They have consistently exceeded my expectations with creative, timely and competitive solutions to my organization’s marketing needs.”

    Bill Murphy, Assistant City Manager, Piqua, OH, Piqua Economic Development Director, Director of Grow Piqua Now

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    Jessi Graham, Director of Marketing and Communications, YMCA

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    Anne Beane, retired Superintendent, Mound Street Academies
  • I appreciate how Graphic Impact continues to help strengthen Chaminade Julienne's branding in our community. Beginning with a logo redesign, the firm's artists have successfully expanded our unique look into an array of marketing materials that strongly supports the school's mission as well as admissions and development efforts.”

    Tina Wagoner, Communications Coordinator, Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School

  • Both the Fairborn Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fairborn were overjoyed with the stunning Quality of Life publication that was produced in collaboration with Graphic Impact. The Chamber has received rave compliments on the publication from a myriad of sources and the positive comments continue every time a new viewer gets a chance to pour through its pages.”

    Paul Newman, Executive Director, Fairborn Area Chamber of Commerce

  • The Graphic Impact staff were very attentive in learning about our business and ultimately became quite committed to the mission of the agency. They designed a fabulous billboard and literature campaign for us which carried into a redesigned website as well. We were able to achieve just the look that we wanted and just the campaign that we wanted to run and ultimately succeeded in passing a levy.”

    Rhonda E. Reagh, Ph.D., retired Executive Director, Greene County Children Services

  • As a Chamber of Commerce, it is important to work with companies who are not only professional and trustworthy, but also provide accurate, prompt and courteous service. The staff at Graphic Impact have accomplished all of these traits during our relationship of over 10 years.” “Graphic Impact did an incredible job in creating our city map and “Simply Troy” Quality of Life book. It has been a real pleasure working with the professional and courteous staff at Graphic Impact. Even under some of the toughest deadlines the quality is unsurpassed and the attention to every detail makes the ultimate difference.”

    Sabra Johnson, Executive Director, Troy Area Chamber of Commerce

  • Graphic Impact was able to take the Troy Development Council’s marketing efforts and our TROY OHIO USA logo to an entirely new level. Our directions to Graphic Impact were very simple: ‘Create a set of marketing materials that will make our competition beat a path to your door.’ They did and the rest is history.”

    Chuck Cochran, retired President & CEO, Troy Development Council

  • I picked up the (Troy) Community Book this morning before coming into the office and I really could not put it down. It is really really great! Not only is the content outstanding but even the ads provide excellent information and look fantastic! I know it was a great deal of work but what a success. Congratulations! ”

    J.C. Wallace, President, Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, Troy Development Council