Why 52% of Startups Lose Business
What startups lack
In their August 2013 report, online marketing company, Yodle, discovered over half of today’s new startups are operating without an online presence.
New business owners are electing to postpone web development.
Reasons include lack of time, absence knowledge, or the belief websites are pointless.
The reality is, no website equals profit loss.
Yes, there are a lot of components to starting a business.As you set out on your new venture, it’s important to determine which priorities take precedence. Building a website should fall somewhere within the initial phase.
The longer a business is without one, the greater chance profitable opportunities will pass.
Since the tail end of the 20th Century, consumers do more research online prior to making a purchase. Online marketing allows consumers to compare products and services. No high-pressure sales people to contend with or business hours to work around.
Remember, many of your competitors have websites readily available with detailed information complete with convenient ordering processes. Those are the companies which will draw prospects away from you. Not because they’re better, but more so because your company is going unnoticed.
No online presence makes your company invisible.
Therefore, if your goal is to expand your customer base, a website is a necessity.
2. Absence of web development knowledge
You don’t need to be a professional web developer to create a business site.
There are numerous programs available which provide custom made website templates. All of which only require you to input copy and pictures.
How level of professionalism will be dependent upon how much you’re willing to spend. If your budget cannot support a high-end website, there are free programs available like Wix, Weebly, and Yola which provide readymade templates.
Readymade websites will serve as a temporary solution until your budget can support a more polished website.
3. Websites are pointless
Regardless what industry you’re in, a website will help you establish a solid reputation and build credibility.
Business websites not only serve as a source for making purchases, but rather serve as an effective platform for disbursing information. For example, hotels and restaurants have websites promoting their products / services. Without websites, those establishments would not be able to draw the customer base they can today.
Aside from not having a presence on the internet, lack of a website can be perceived as immature and unprofessional.
hen you inform a prospect your business doesn’t currently have a website, a wall of distrust begins to build. The authenticity of your company will come into question; with your business card, most likely, getting tossed into the garbage.
Conclusion
Neglecting to implement a website into your initial business plan will negatively impact overall success and profits.
Without a presence online you reduce your exposure in the market, losing potential prospects along the way to competitors with established business sites. Plus, the reputation and credibility of your company will be questioned.
Print, audio, and visual media are great resources for improving your exposure in the market however, if your promotional strategy lacks a business website, your potential customer base will be minimized.
With the majority of our nation’s population surfing the net for the best deals or additional information, a business website is a vital tool for drawing business.
Content contributed by Matthew Cassady, IASourceLink. IASourceLink is a proud affiliate of U.S. SourceLink, America’s largest resource network for entrepreneurs.
