45 percent of small businesses don’t have a website

I saw this great infographic on FormStack, and while it was nicely put together, the survey results it presents just blow my mind.

For example, 45% of small business don’t yet have a website. And how is it that 41% of businesses think they can get along just fine without one? I have to wonder what they are thinking?

Being on the web is a no-brainer. Just like every business should pay their taxes, every business should have a website. Why?

Get found. Even if you don’t sell any products, it’s still imperative to have an online presence. Sometimes people just need to know how to contact you. Yellow pages is out and Google is in. If a potential customer can’t find you online, but he or she can search and find your competitors online, who do you think they are most likely to do business with? Exactly.

It’s all about image. So often, your website is the first impression someone has of your company. If you don’t have one, what does that say to potential clients? Your website is your opportunity to stand out in the crowd. Take advantage of it.

Be seen. Online provides a great opportunity to present your portfolio of work. Are you an artist? A consultant? A writer? So you knit hats for chihuahuas, bake wedding cakes or sell custom motorcycles? Putting photos and descriptions of your work online can help people visualize exactly what it is you do. Have a location that’s hard to find? Make a map and directions available. Does your company think a little differently? Start a blog and show people how you are leaders in your field.

There are so many things your company can do with a website. Provide information. Showcase your strengths. Reach out to a global audience instead of just local people. Promote your services and specials. Sell your wares. It’s really one of those “the possibilities-are-endless” kind of things.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t be one of the 45% of businesses that are missing out.