Buying a Business website can be a sure-fire way to waste $1,000s, if you get it wrong!
As “Online Presence” becomes more and more common, many small business owners feel obligated to have their own websites.
Let’s face it. If you don’t have a website, your business may appear not “up to the standard”, not providing the convenience customers appreciate, or simply “behind the time”.
Perhaps you are thinking “Oh No! What if my competitor builds a very flashy site?”
On the other hand, many entrepreneurs enter into a world of business via websites for the cost effectiveness and ease of starting their new venture.
And so many SME business owners and managers approach our Web Design Service, asking for their own websites to be built. Some do their homework and request for a number of nifty functionalities, whilst others have no idea what a Website is capable of these days.
Now, don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with not knowing anything about web technologies (after all, that is what we, e-Business advisors, are here to help you with).
However, what you MUST KNOW is why you want a business website. I have seen too many business owners waste thousands of dollars in building their sites, simply because they had no idea what they needed, or what the website would do for their businesses.
Like any other asset in your business, the sole purpose of buying a website should be (directly or indirectly) increasing your profit. You should not invest your hard earned money in some fancy gadget that will not raise your revenues.
Let me ask you a question. If you were to employ a staff member, will you not want to know what that person is capable of, how much it will cost you to employ them, and whether or not they are likely to be a good fit for your business? You are not likely to employ an over-qualified candidate who comes with qualifications and experiences (and thus comes with a higher salary expectation) that the position does not require, right?
Well, buying a website is the same. As a business owner, you need to at least consider…
- What it is that you want your site to do.
- What kind of “User Experience” you want to provide.
- And most importantly, if what you include will lead to profit.
… before you approach your Web Developer. Why? Because some of them will be very happy to sell you the latest and most expensive widgets that are totally unwarranted. Hell, they may not even ask you what it is that you need. So it is up to you to carefully consider what you your e-business requires.
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You wouldn’t go to a car dealer with a hand full of cash asking for their recommendation without knowing what you want from your new vehicle, would you? You may be sold a Ferrari when what you really needed was a Delivery Van.
Not technically savvy? Never fear! What you need to remember is that a website is merely an enhancement tool for your business. Perhaps it is a sales tool enabling you to make a sale 24/7; a communication tool allowing you to serve your customers in timely manner; or a marketing tool to present your product/service on demand using the latest audio and video technologies.
All you have to keep in mind is that “You are the Brain of your Business, and the Website is simply your online tool”. Just know what you want it to do for your business, consider if it would fit into your business plan/strategies, and if it leads to the higher profits you deserve.
Ken Shimizu (aka “Cyber Storm”) is an internationally recognized Seminar Presenter, an Australian Government Certified Vocational Trainer, an e-Business Consultant, CRM Expert and most importantly, a Loving Father and Husband.
With over 20years of involvement/management experiences in some of the largest corporations in the world, “The Storm” established his own company in 2004 to help Entrepreneurs and SME communities around the globe.
Through live seminars, online training courses and 1 on 1 coaching sessions, Ken has trained over one thousand business owners from countries including Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, UK, USA and Japan.
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