In 2005 users of the Internet world wide reached 1 billion. In 2011 it is estimated they will reach 2 billion. That’s a lot of consumers.

The average person logs about 34 sessions to the tune of 30 to 40 hours a month. That’s around an hour a day. More than 35% of homes have a personal computer and twice that have access to one at work. That doesn’t count libraries, coffee houses and the like.

87% of people now research online before making any purchase. Why? Because it is informative and not persuasive. No sales person trying to make a commission – just the straight facts.

In conjunction with regular advertising, your Web site can save you money. Consider the cost of a full-page ad in the Yellow Pages. It’s limited in space and if your products or services change, the Yellow Pages won’t do a reprint just for you. If your company has a Web site, you can lessen the cost of the Yellow Pages ad by printing a smaller ad and directing the prospect to your site for more information. Your site can have more space, content and functionality for a fraction of the cost. And, if things change for your business, you can have the information updated on your site at in a moment’s notice. Try that with the Yellow Pages.

Today’s market requires a Web site – not as the only component to your marketing plan, but rather as the hub. You will spend less on smaller ads with an offer, a call to action and directions to view your site for more information for a larger impact. Today’s consumer will wonder why you don’t have one. I’ll bet they’ll find your competitor’s site.

People online are in “seeker mode.” In other words, they are looking to purchase. People reading magazines and newspapers will “passively” see your add. That’s not to say you shouldn’t put ads in magazines and newspapers; just don’t rely on them alone. Your marketing plan should have many weapons.

The Internet is not really a choice any more. Consumers expect it. It’s not a tattoo; start small and let it develop as your business does. Do it in phases. It doesn’t matter how you start – just start!

Now get out there and look good!

Chris Motley
Motley Creations

Tags: development, research, statistics, website.