Why do I need a website?

In my opinion you should not ask 'why I need a website' but 'why wouldn't I need a website'. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2006-2007 64% of households had internet access and of those 61% used the internet to purchase products and services. Actual internet usage is probably higher than that as more households would now have internet access and many of those who don't have access at home would have access at work, a friend's place, the local library or even on their mobile phone. Not having a website excludes many of these people from ever knowing that your business exists, let alone ever visiting you.

Sure, many of these people don't only use the internet to make a purchasing decision, but, many use it at least for expanding their knowledge about who you are and whether they would prefer you over your competitors. For example, they may look up a vet in the yellow pages, find that there are multiple vet practices in their area. Then, after considering the information available in the ads, they visit practice websites listed in the ads or search for them using a search engine. Firstly if they find you and then if you have a current site that is appealing to them they are more likely to visit your practice rather than Jo Blogs up the road who has a site that is obviously out of date or that doesn't exist at all.

A web presence in any form opens this market up to you. Even a one page site listing your business may suffice. Remember though that the site needs to be of good quality and reflect your branding. Avoid the big turnoffs- broken links, outdated information, difficult navigation. If your site is not up to scratch it may have the opposite effect and turn customers away rather than attracting them to you business.

So, go ahead and get started toward getting your business online. But make sure you do it properly and keep it up to date or you may find yourself asking- 'Why do I need a website?'