Title: Internet levels the selling field between small and big businesss
By: Jonny Buroker
Since the late 1990s, every business was expected to have a Web site, whether or not they knew why.
During this time, many businesses got basic "brochureware" Web sites because they wanted to be "online."
These Web sites were simple with little to no functionality, they were rarely changed or updated, and they were as effective as posting your sales brochure in a forest and hoping your customers could find it.
Fast forward 10 years to today -- a great deal has been learned about what works and what doesn't work online; coupled with increased consumer confidence and reliance on the Internet for day-to-day activities.
That's why small businesses are going online with highly functional, interactive Web sites to tap into a much larger customer base and to compete against major companies from around the world.
No longer optional
Eighty percent of online shoppers say they prefer to make purchases from small businesses. Furthermore, 63 percent of online shoppers said small specialty retailers are the best place to find unique gifts, and 59 percent of online shoppers surveyed said they believe it is important for their favorite specialty retailers to have an online presence.
The Internet is truly the greatest equalizer for small businesses as it allows them to compete head to head against large corporations without the help of a large marketing budget.
The two critical elements which allow small businesses to compete successfully online: knowing their customers, and implementing an effective internet marketing strategy.
The onus is on you to evaluate your existing Internet marketing strategy to ensure that your company is in position to compete effectively in an online marketplace.
Top source of info for shoppers
According to eMarketer.com, 63 percent of online shoppers rely on the Internet as their primary source of shopping information, compared to only 10 percent for newspapers and magazines and 5 percent for TV.
The Internet allows consumers to do local research and locate the products and services they require, which is why they believe every small business should have a Web site that works.
Shoppers prefer small businesses
For small businesses that want to survive, let alone thrive in today's highly competitive global marketplace, creating a compelling online presence won't be optional for long.
If your business depends on meeting the high expectations of today's tech-savvy consumers, an Internet presence is quickly becoming a requirement.
A recent survey conducted by Yahoo! revealed that approximately 92 percent of consumers who go online agreed that "it is important for a small business to have an Internet presence."
Is your business being found online? This is an amazing opportunity for thousands of small businesses around the world to compete locally and globally.