The Internet is one of the most valuable resources that someone looking to start up a small business can use. What could be easier than shopping fro the comfort of ones' own home? Not having to get into the car, drive to the mall/department store, and battle the crowds to find that certain product that you are looking for. With the busy lives we lead, shopping on line is a real time saver. If a small business owner is smart, they widen their range of available customers by starting a website that serves not only their existing customers in the small radius of their place of business, but the whole world.
Did you Know?
- In 1999, 17 MILLION US households shopped on line and sales topped over 20.2 BILLION!
- There are over 64 million regular adult user of he Internet.
- In 2003 there were over 500 MILLION on line users.
- 71% of men and 58% of women shop on line.
Although those numbers are impressive, what do they mean to a small business owner, or someone that is thinking of starting a small business?
- 56% of companies sold their products on line in 2000.
- Small businesses who use the Internet have grown 46% faster than those who chose not to use the Internet..
- 44% of on line users have participated in an on line auction.
- 92% of users just browse the Internet.
With so many people not only in the United States, but in the world, and the Internet growing at an unprecedented rate, why not advertise or start your own on line small business? The opportunities are endless to the success that you can achieve!
Now that you know how many people use the Internet the trick is to get them to come to your website and look and buy from your website. Advertising is important. There are many different ways to advertise. Tell your friends about your website. There are banners and other forms of advertising on line. Let existing customers know that you have a website. Did you know that most Internet users spend less than ONE MINUTE per page they visit? Is is a daunting statistic if you really think about it. You want someone to not just come glance at your site, but actually shop nd buy from your site. So how do you do that? Create something eye catching that people will want to stay and look at. "Its not what you say, but how you say it! From the first time someone enters your site, make them want to stay and look. Make it eye catching and something they want to recommend to their friends. We all have unique ideas, share yours in your website.
The next very important part of your website is having a way to accept payments. On line acceptance of Master card/Visa and on line checks will get you more sales and will add convenience for your customers. These merchant services also help to show your business in a more professional light.
SO LETS GET STARTED!
