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Are you an SME without a web presence?

In a recent IEDR (IE Domain Registry) report entitled "dot ie digital Health Index",  SME's (in Ireland) who don't have a website were canvased about their rationale.

 

 the top answers:-

 

  • "No Need within our Industry" (60%)
  • "Not enough time" (35%)
  • "Lack of Know-how" (9%)
  • "Availability of finance" (7%)
  • "took down old website and not yet replaced" (6%) and
  • various other reasons at (7%)

 

 

Putting aside the lack of broadband infrastructure outside of the main conurbations as a factor influencing e-commerce investment, the report indicates that in excess of 50% of offline SMEs have no intent to build, maintain and operate a website in the short term. 

 

  

"no need in their Industry".

 

It's great to be able to generate a pipeline by networking and referrals alone. However, it is puzzling that any company would not realise the potential of Internet marketing to win new business and better service their customers regardless of Industry. I can only conclude that this rationale stems from those respondants that were too embarrassed to admit  lack of time,  lack of know-how or lack of finance.

 

"Lack of Time"?

 

With something of an economic recovery currently underway many SMEs are working hard to keep up with current demand, focussed on service delivery, leaving few avaialble resources or will  to address "wish list" activities. This is understandable. However, the first step is always the hardest, and you will be surprised at how accommodating Web Agencies are to project manage the entire process for you to get the process underway efficiently and with minimal input from you.

 

"Availability of Finance"

 

This need not be a show stopper as there are web agencies out there that will provide accomodate payment plans so that cost can be spread over 3-6 months or longer.

 

 

Consider this

 

 71% of Irish consumers find it "extremely frustrating" when a business has no online presence. 3 in 4 say they are more likely to consider a business with an online presence.

 

Your business, without an Internet presence is on the back foot and will be less able to compete effectively against those with a good website for new business opportunities. As painful as it might seem, now is the time to take the first step and get even a small website project under-way. It's a win-win-win situation.

Addressing the concerns of "lack-of-know-how", "Cyber security", and "not knowing where to start" ..... Simply arrange a meeting with a small number of reputable web agencies. You are investing time here, but you will learn fast and quickly get a feel for what is needed. Look out for an agency that is keen to establish a rapport with you and take the time to understand your business in detail. A good web agency can take ownership of your online marketing strategy and all the technical aspects of build and deployment leaving you with the task of supplying content. A really good agency will project manage the whole process and drive delivery to ensure the process is as painless as possible for their client.

 

Start the ball rolling today ....