help starting a small business

TOP THREE REASONS TO CREATE A WEBSITE

When you need help starting a small business, a website will help you create a visual representation of your business and communicate more fully what you do.

1. CREDIBILITY

When I was first starting out, I often met small business people who tried to get away with not having a website. Even then (about seven years ago) I took those people less seriously and I know others did, too. Still, many of those people who avoided having a website did just fine without one.

Nowadays, if you need help starting a small business, you absolutely must have a website to be perceived as a professional and to amplify your chances of being found on the Internet.

Whether your site is purely informational, or it's transactional or interactive, it is absolutely your calling card and must reflect you and your business well. If you're thinking of starting a business, whether a brand new independent venture, or a partnership with someone else, or even a franchise or an MLM -- you need your own website.

2. VISIBILITY

Here's a big hint: Whatever is written on your site should NOT be an exact duplicate of anyone else's site! I learned in recent months that duplicated sites appear like spam to the search engines. You will get ZERO traffic that way.

I used to not concern myself with web traffic. I was focused purely on my geographic area and used my site as a mere "brochure" for my business. Apparently I was thinking and playing way too small.

You'll see that this site is powered by SBI (Site Build It!), which is a website design, marketing, business-building service that has totally transformed the way I see myself, both on and offline. The day I watched SBI's 30-minute videotour, the lightbulb went off and I felt like a whole universe had opened up to me. (That's been happening a lot lately!) Which is a great reason to always be open and educating yourself.

And fortunately for me, I am a writer so these pages come easily (I hope you're enjoying the reading) so I get to share my experiences as a small home business owner, and inspire, motivate and provide you with help starting a small business. (If you could use some guidance with writing, this FREE e-book breaks down the "I can't write" barrier-mindset.)

My website allows me to share what I know with the world and establish myself as an expert in starting a small home business. It also enables me to make money, if that's what I choose to do with it. Without this site, and others that I have created, I wouldn't be as multi-faceted as I've been able to become, thanks to having a web presence.

(Before you spend any money on a website and get 10 different opinions on who/what is the best, do yourself this favor and see the MAGIC of SBI.)

3. ACCESSIBILITY

This website makes me accessible to you any time, any day, from anywhere in the world. The same goes for any other business website. Your website enables you to create a relationship with your clients or customers so they can learn about you or interact with you, even when you're not working.

A website also does a lot of work for you, saving you time, headache and hassles. Rather than retyping the answer to often asked questions, refer people to an FAQ on your site. If someone wants to see exactly how your product works, show them an online video. If they have questions about your shipping methods, it's all there on your site.

Which doesn't mean you don't take real time for people and answer their questions promptly and directly, whether on the phone or in person. But your website should really do a lot of the work for you, to make best use of your time and give your customers and prospects something that satisfies.

Please feel free to contact me. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about this site and why I love SBI.

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