If you don’t have a company Web site you’re among the 30% of small businesses that don’t. In case you find this fact comforting - don’t. In today’s fast moving business environment, businesses that do not have Web sites fail at a much higher rate then businesses that do. You’re also out of luck if you don’t know how to update your Web site.

1.    Fewer than half your customers come to your business online. New Customers aren’t going to find you through the Yellow Pages. There are reasons why Web sites have become the dominant way to promote a product or business. Dollar for dollar no other media cannot  match the Internet as a means of delivering your message to the outside world.

2.   Your Web site is geared only toward new customers. A dynamic Web site keeps customers coming back and builds loyalty among older customers. It costs roughly 3 times more to find new customers than to retain the old ones. By giving your existing customers the opportunity to voice their opinions you can gain valuable information about your company you might not otherwise hear.

3.   Your Web site is geared only toward  customers. A good Web site makes business processes simpler for not only buyers; but, also for suppliers and partners not just for customers. A good Web site will offer information about your company to anyone who has an interest in your enterprise. Creditors, potential employees, investors collectively form the image you want to project. If some parts are missing, then your message is not complete.

4.   Your Web site is your entire Web strategy. Small and mid-size companies have to get involved in lead generation technologies, blogs, user groups, etc. In case you had not noticed the Internet keeps changing the way businesses process information. Businesses have the option to avail themselves of the opportunity to utilize the new technology to strenghen their grip on market share. Failing to recognize this opportunity/threat could be fatal.

5.  You think that small companies are at a disadvantage. An online presence helps small businesses create that big company presence with a personalized touch.  A good Web site can put a small company right up there with the big boys.