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Does a small business really need a website?

As a Virtual Assistant, I specialise not just in web design but also in business development and administrative services. I have found many people with small businesses often wondering as to whether a website would really benefit them.

Here is the answer to the question all small business owners ask.

Do I really need a website? Answer: YES! Here is why…

1. Introduce your products and services: These are the days of "Enquiry Marketing". Make your business available 24 hours a day and allow your customers to be in control.

2. Become Recognised: Differentiate yourself from your competitors with clear, recognisable branding while showcasing your products and services to the world.

3. Boost Sales: Explain benefits, compare products, and publish testimonials from happy customers.

4. Earn More: Subsidise income and demonstrate knowledge by selling e-books for people to learn from.

5. Professionalism: A letter from “you@yourbusiness.com” will open more doors than an email from a hotmail account.

6. Be Found: People use locally defined keywords in the search engines, "Craft Shops in Cornwall", for example. This will lead them to your place of business, opening times, contact information, location and more.

7. Collate Valuable Information: An enquiry form on a website can provide you with a lot of valuable information from customers and other interested people.

8. Marketing & Advertising: Newspapers and Magazines have 2 significant disadvantages when advertising. 1) Once printed updating them is difficult and costly 2) The information you can print is limited. A web site can be updated instantly with little or no cost involved.

9. Promote: Do you promote your business at workshops or tradeshows? Increase awareness and advertise the event on your website.

10. People Buy People: A well-developed website displays a viable business, conveying trust and credibility while gaining loyal customers.

When choosing to purchase a website, using a virtual assistant will give you a lot more for your money and also the opportunity to take your website further once it has been developed.

So what are the benefits of working with the right Virtual Assistant?

More than just a Web Designer: When purchasing a VA website package you get a professional designer that offers excellent marketing and business advice including usability consulting and search engine optimisation. Your website will not only look great, it will be easy to find and user friendly.

Diverse: A VA can design and deliver other marketing materials such as business cards, brochures, flyers and more.

Professional: Most VA’s will have a large repertoire of business experience, skills and knowledge enabling them to be a valuable asset in assisting you to achieve your business goals.

Efficient: The services of a VA are delivered when you need them with completions to tight deadlines.

Convenient: As most Virtual Assistants work from home they can be available when you need them.

Affordable: There is always a VA to suit all budgets, and many offer package deals which include support and administration services to compliment your website.

Independent: As an independent service provider a VA is able to negotiate project work, hours and rates and many offer a free no obligation consultation.

Article Source: http://www.freeforallarticles.com

Michelle Dale is an experienced Virtual Assistant, and Director of Virtual Miss Friday. She assists businesses and individuals to achieve their professional goals. After a successful career in senior and executive roles, exceeding targets, designing and mastering effective methods of office support, Michelle now supports her clients to achieve the same success. www.virtualmissfriday.co.uk