Different types of business websites
You have finally decided to set up a website that would be dedicated to your business. How should it look like? You need to be clear of what you are trying to achieve. Is it simply to have an online business card where your clients/prospects can get your contact details and product list? Or would you like to extend your sales to e-sales, moderate online discussions and respond to clients/or prospective clients queries? Let`s review a few options and perhaps one of them might fit your purpose.
- Brochure Website (or e-Business Card)
This is the most common type, typically containing 3-10 pages and mimicking standard paper business card or a brochure. The content is limited, containing short description of company`s activities, contact details and a breakdown of products/services offered. This type of website is comparable to a business card and is static (not regularly or actively updated). "Brochure site" would not cost a lot and would consume little resources to create and support it. Frequent clients will find it convenient to have online access to contact details and products offered.
- "Online presence" website
This type is more advanced to just "brochure website". It might contain relevant articles, forums, company updates and opinions on the subject of your business. Due to substantial unique content, updated on a regular basis, such website would be of more interest to its visitors and will increase their trust in your business. For example, let's say your website is dedicated to furniture sales. You can create relevant articles, forum discussions, news updates about furniture, quality, material, interior design etc. If you are looking to create such a website, you need to ensure that there is someone dedicated to running it daily - updating news, adding articles, participating/moderating discussions in forums and answering questions.
- Online Shop (or E-Commerce Site)
The purpose of this type of site is to sell goods or services. Visitors can review your products and buy them online. The delivery can take the form of a courier service, pick-up only or mail (if you plan to expand beyond your neighbourhood). Be aware that it will take more resources (human, financial) to develop and support such a website. You might need to set-up a business account with the courier services for example in order to organise pick-ups. Be prepared to spend more time and money as you will need custom software, SSL security certificate (SSL Certificate - what is it?) and so on.
- Conclusion
Setting up "brochure website" will cost you little and will bring you only benefits. Given enormous opportunities online, any business should at least (or to start off with) have a "brochure website". Frequent visitors will value easily available information online and online presence will help you retain your existing clients and will attract prospects. The trust in your business will increase. How you present your business online is your decision and you should take into account your objectives before deciding on one type or the other.
