The internet has changed customer shopping habits and with rapid technological developments accessing the internet has become easier than ever. People can access the internet whenever and wherever they like. Why do people like using the internet? Listed below are some of the benefits of the internet for the customer.

Customers Stay Updated

The internet keeps customers updated through websites, emails, online adverts and social networking sites. Many customers can access the internet on the move through things technology such as smart phones and tablets. Manufacturers and retailers can instantly update their customers through the internet.

Customers Can Compare Online

One of the greatest advantages for the customer is that they can compare products or services they wish to purchase from the comfort of their own homes. Instead of having to visit a number of different retail outlets, the user simply has to open different internet window tabs to compare prices or features of the product/service they wish to purchase. Many retailing websites offer the facility where different products they sell can now be easily compared. There is also price comparison websites that customers can use to get the best possible price for their products.

Clear Product Information For the Customer

Websites offer clear and consistent product information to all internet users. There is little chance of misinterpretation or mishearing what the sales person said as in a retail store. The internet has comprehensive product information whereas in a shop the customer is reliant in the knowledge of their sales advisor.

Transparent Pricing

Pricing online is very clear and transparent for the customer; customers can access pricing information from a range of sellers with a few internet clicks. Customers can take advantages of pricing that may change regularly or take advantages of special offers that last for a limited period as they can access pricing information 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Whereas prices for products offered for sale in retail premises can only be accessed whilst the store (or store telephone lines are) open.

Track Your Purchase and Choose Delivery Dates

Many websites allow consumers to track their purchase from when it is ordered through to when they are dispatched and delivered to them. This reassures the consumer and makes them feel that they are obtaining a good service online. Some sellers also allow the consumer to choose the delivery address for each purchase and select their own delivery date and time.

Reduction in Personal Carbon Footprint

Looking after the environment and the world we live in is important for many customers. When consumers shop online they use their cars less and their personal carbon footprint is reduced. Retailers can support carbon reduction by sorting deliveries so that purchases by customers living close to each other can be delivered on the same day.

24/7 Shopping

There is no time restriction on when a consumer can shop online; the internet is available all day everyday. Many online sales now start at midnight on a particular day encouraging customers to shop all hours of the day. For example many retailers will start post christmas sales on the 26th of December 00.00.

1. Your web site reflects you as a business owner and professional.

If your web site looks professional, your potential clients will think you’re a professional who has enough clients and enough income to have a site built for you. If potential clients visit your web site and it looks half-assed and home-built that’s how they’ll perceive you.

If you’re a web developer, by all means, build your own site, as that will reflect your capabilities. Everyone else, hire a solid company that can do a good job, not just in building your web site, but in getting it seen and in building it wisely to maximize the traffic you’ll get.

2. Your web site can mean extra local business.

Even if you’re primarily brick and mortar, having a solid web site can mean extra business. Local clientele often perform seaches online and find your web site, encouraging them to walk into your store. If they find your competitors and they look more reputable or solid than you (or if they have a web site and you don’t), you’ll lose business, just because of your web site. And, when you’re mentioned in the media or on review sites like Angie’s List, you’ll need a web site to help people find you.

3. Your web site can mean global business.

Did you ever think about getting orders from Australia or Malaysia? Launching a fantastic web site means you’ll instantly become a global business, allowing you to expand your clientele to a much larger audience. Your web site is visible in almost every country around the globe, and that means you expand your potential client base by millions. You’ll still want to keep your target market in mind, but an international audience may still find you appealing.

4. Your web site can generate media interest.

If a journalist is looking for an expert in your field to quote for an article, s/he is more likely to choose the business owner whose web site looks professional and clean than someone who looks like they don’t really know what they’re doing. And as most of you know, a mention in the media can be powerful for your business!

Don’t do your business a disservice by putting up a shoddy web site. Take care and invest wisely in your business web site by hiring someone who knows what they’re doing. Next week I’ll talk about what components you need in your web, and in two weeks, I’ll cover how to hire a web company.

If you are a small business and have not yet established an online presence —it’s amazing how many small businesses still don’t have a good website!

Then you are missing out on a great opportunity to generate more revenue and profit for your company. As of early 2012, reports have shown that there were 2.4 billion internet users worldwide.

The internet has become a great tool for buying and selling products and services, sharing files, communicating with friends and family, entertainment, education and many other activities.

People Are Online

As a consultant assisting women in business in rural Southern Alabama, I regularly get asked, “Since my business is very small and I only sell my products or services locally, do I really need a website?” My answer is always the same… YES! If you are a business owner, you need to have an internet presence. Here’s why:

• Statistics have shown that about 2.2 billion people used the internet in 2011 – nearly a third of the earth’s population.
• More than $256 billion were spent by internet shoppers in 2011.
• Current buying trends show that people purchase everything from books, jewelry, vehicles to live stock and real estate.
• The number of people that make use of the internet every day is on the increase. This means about 70% of the earth’s population have access to it.
• Online shopping has become a normal activity for many internet users. It has proved to be more convenient and cheaper for them.

As you can see, being a small company does not matter when it comes to potential benefits from having a web presence.

Enhance Your Credibility

Since majority of the earth’s population make use of the internet, a website is the best way to tell the world about you and your company. This is also an opportunity to explain why you deserve their confidence and trust. In fact, internet users today expect serious business owners to have an online presence. They use the internet to research before buying products and services. Therefore, a website is a great tool to provide useful information about your business and convince your audience that you offer the best product or service. Here are 4 ways to increase credibility to your website:

• Update your website with pertinent and relevant information on a regular basis
• Offer visitors with quick and flexible answers to their needs
• Post testimonials from satisfied customers
• Provide visitors with a comment section and make sure you respond in a timely manner

A well designed, informative and updated website will add credibility to your business and strengthen your brand.

Search Engine Optimization

Are your competitors outranking you in search results? Imagine a potential customer searching “Animal Clinic San Diego” and the results place your top 5 competitors on the first page while your website is ‘MIA’ (missing in action). Search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Mozilla will return the results that are most relevant.

A website that is designed to be an effective Internet marketing tool will increase your website traffic. This internet marketing technique is referred to as Search Engine Optimization. By generating quality backlinks and creating optimized content, you become an authority before search engines and increase the number of visitors that come to your website.

Global Presence

Imagine serving customers around the world.  Since information is always available, people from all over the world can visit your website anytime; and inquire about the products or services that you offer. A website gives you a global footprint exposing you to an international market.