Recently I read that certain businesses don’t need a website.

I think that’s true in the same way that some toilets don’t need to be flushed. Like the toilets at state campgrounds with the toilet on top of a huge hole in the floor with a tank below with all kinds of smells wafting up.

Thing is, would you want one of those toilets in your office?

Or maybe it’s like the saying, “In God We Trust. All Others Pay Cash.”

There are exceptions to every rule, but for the overwhelming majority of businesses, you need a website. Trust me on this one.

Even when you think that you wouldn’t drive much traffic with a website, you’re probably missing a lot more than you think. One cool thing about having a website is that everything becomes measurable. No more guessing.

There is a free tool called Google Analytics which can tell you an incredible amount of information about your website visitors, including age, location, gender, how long a visitor spends on your site and what specific pages he or she visits…and so much more.

That can be very valuable information in serving your clientele better by adjusting your products or services to better meet their needs and to thereby maximize your profitability.

Your website can also help to create that all important “know, like and trust” by enabling anyone to check out your products and services, as well as your business philosophy. You can also include a Google map so your customers can find your store or office. Post your phone number as well so they can click on it from their phone and call you up.

Calling cards are nice, but I live on my phone like an ever increasing number of people. I don’t want to know your address, just let me click on your location in my phone and let the Google lady in Google Maps tell me how to get there. The same goes when I want to call. I just want to click and talk. No typing anything in. It a convenience people are expecting more and more, and if it’s not there, they may just go elsewhere.

You can also include a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page on your website. It will reduce the amount of time you spend repeatedly explaining the basic features of what you offer and may convert more prospective customers to clients who may otherwise go somewhere else because they didn’t want to spend the time reaching out to you. They find you are a match through your FAQ and go with you instead of the competition.

You need a website if you have a business, period. The good news is your can build one yourself cheap and I show you how in a simple, concise, step-by-step tutorial.