Should every business be online?...

I don't think there is a poll facility here yet, however I am interested what people think on this topic: is there a place for every business online, or would it still not be of use to some industries / lines of work not to have a web presence at all?

Jim

Re : Should every business be online?

Hi Jim

I think that there is a place for virtually all businesses online, yes.

The best way to approach the question is probably to think of counterexamples - businesses for which having a website would have NO purpose at all.

Have to say I can't think of any, as even if a company has no direct products to sell online there is still the valuable informational content and brand presence to be gained by being online.

Therefore only a business that didn't want anyone to know about them would not need a website these days

Chris

Re : Should every business be online?

I AGREE, most businesses are going online now, its the way forward.

Most businesses suit the internet and if you get leads off it,

its all good,

ross

Re : Should every business be online?

Jim

Good post. I have had a quick think about this - at least thirty seconds - and couldn't come up with a reason why any business that was actively looking for business or for more people to find out about it would not want to be online.

It's the place to be

Tim

Re : Should every business be online?

I dont think there are any businesses that cant benefit from having some form of web presence however clearly there are some industries where it is going to be much more beneficial than others.

Given how cheap web hosting is and that ultimately development need only be a one off fee there is no excuse for any business not to have a professional site.

Re : Should every business be online?

If you sell a service or a product then it's a definite YES.

You only have to see the growth in online retailing over the last couple of years. Also, I bet the retailing results in Feb 2008 will have a marked up turn in online trading.

With an online presence, the small retailer can compete with the big guys, providing the site does look like a "Blue Peter - one I prepared earlier" site.

If anyone disagrees, I'll be interested to hear from you.

PS. Do not confuse bad online retailing experiences with the question, "Should you have an online presence".

Cheers

Rob.
http://www.pacecommerce.co.uk
http://www.paceretail.co.uk
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Regards Robert

Re : Should every business be online?

Yes.

Even my ironing service has a website when theres is a 100% bricks and mortar business.

It's first of all how I found them, then secondly when I need to tell them I'm on holiday or something I can never find the number and always have to check on the website.

In addition, someone has asked about my ironing service and I have been able print off the price list to give to them from their website.

It's an ugly rubbish website, but it's doing it's job.

So yes, every business will be enhanced with a website.


Amanda

Re : Should every business be online?

I think that currently, businesses can't afford not to be online. Even the local coffee shop is online.
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Re : Should every business be online?

Some companies still genuinely don't 'get' why they should be online if their business runs offline.

But Amanda's example is a perfect one of why any business should be online if only for marketing and nothing else!

Tim

Re : Should every business be online?

Hi,

I agree every business should be online, even if they have two pages of information. Everyone goes online when they are looking for something and searches on a directory.
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Re : Should every business be online?

Nice to see a subject that everyone seems to agree on

Chris

Re : Should every business be online?

I don't think so.

There are some businesses where it is much more appropriate to look in say Yellow Pages eg a plumber although there are probably some people who now do all their search on the Internet.

I believe that vast amounts of money have been wasted on line with cost and no benefit through a combination of poor web design (not necessarily in the appearance but in the copy that is me, me,me) and the complete failure of some website providers cover even the very basics of SEO with key words in page header etc.
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Re : Should every business be online?

In my opinion, being online is very important for nowadays almost every company has their own website, big or small. being absent online could result in losing a lot business opportunities.

actually many self-employed people build up their website. there are many advantages by having a website. for instance, being found easier for the buyers and for the purpose of advertising...

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