by Michael Perini, ABC
periniassociates

Simply put, if you have a business, organization or advocating an issue today, you need a website. Nothing more to write. Ok, maybe some reasons to convince you!

First, in the U.S. alone, the number of internet users (approximately 77 percent of the population) and e-commerce sales ($165.4 billion in 2010, according to the US Department of Commerce) continue to rise and are expected to increase with each passing year.

Second, people just aren’t using phone books like in the past.

Third, recently all three major search engines are targeting search queries towards local even when a user doesn’t include a local modifier.

At the very least, every business, organization and issue advocate should have a professional looking and well-designed website that allows users to easily find out about them and how to avail themselves of their products and services. Later, additional ways to generate revenue on the website can be added; i.e., selling ad space, drop-shipping products, or recommending affiliate products.

Here is a list of what a website could offer. Add anything we missed, please.

Products
Services Specials
Information
Mission
Staff & Bios
History
Affiliations
Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructions
Technical Support
Updates
New Products
Price Changes
Order Forms
Requests for Information
Promotions
Coupons
News Releases
Fax on Demand
Intra-Office Communications
Advertisements
E-Mail
Research
Newsgroups
Audio & Video
Maps

We can help develop a website for you that is effective.

Here are more thoughts that I have posted about website design. Click here.

Remember, the internet has become a vast resource of information. As we look toward 2012 make it your New Year’s resolution to have a website.