There are lots of reasons why you should at least consider having a website. I have listed, what I feel are the top 10 reasons, in order to help spark ideas for you to discover your reasons. A website will provide a cost-effective way of communicating, and widen your horizons to a global community. Even if you're not planning to sell directly online, a Web site can help you gain new customers, serve existing customers better, and streamline costs and operations. In fact, most business-to-business web sites are established for a dual purpose - to sell products and services, either directly or indirectly, and to provide information.

Here are 10 important reasons for having a Web site:

1. To generate awareness: The most important reason is probably that a website of your own will promote your organization 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to the whole world. Nothing else offers this flexibility. Web sites can display large amounts of information, available anytime to anyone with Internet access.

2. Build reputation, credibility and trust with potential clients: Web sites offer an ideal forum to showcase your previous work and accomplishments to potential clients.

3. Capture a whole new audience: Many Internet savvy people prefer to search for a company on the Internet rather than search their local Yellow Pages. To many, a business that is not on the Internet, for all intents and purposes, simply doesn't exist.

4. To improve your competitive advantage: The Internet can be considered a global shopping mall. More and more people are going online to shop for information, services and products. On a computer screen, all companies play by the same rules. No matter what your size, a Web site offers your business the same advantages as your biggest competitors. One of the reasons that small business go online is that a well designed website for even a one man operation can have the same presence as a multi-national corporation.

5. Create the ultimate sales brochure: A Web site can play the role of an abundant, high-quality, interactive, full-color brochure listing all the goods and services you offer. It can be easily updated, keeping your product listings and prices always accurate.

6. Advertise at a fraction of traditional costs: Just imagine, one 'brochure' that the whole world can see instantly. No reprinting and re-distribution of expensive catalogues. Changes or upgrades can be made without the expense of total reproduction. Compare the cost of a small ad in a magazine (which is only available for a limited time) or the cost of printing and mailing catalogues versus the cost of having a Web site, which is available 24 hours a day. Your customers can have the current information or price list for your goods or services at any time, just by looking at the relevant page on your website.

7. Improve communications: A Web site is a very effective and efficient way to communicate not only with potential customers, but also with employees and suppliers. Changes take effect as soon as they're posted online and everyone can see updated information without having to wait. With personalized e-mail you can send an electronic note or letter to someone from your companies own .com address. i.e.; rlavin@creative4site.com You may also want to receive information from your clients or potential customers with an electronic form they can fill out and submit right from your website. Direct mail and brochures can be sent via e-mail and posted online.

8. Enhance customer service: Your business will be open 24 hours a day. Any time a customer wants to know your hours, location, directions, or any other details about your company, they can get it with ease. You can also save on employee costs and improve staff productivity by creating a page of "Frequently Asked Questions". This way, customers can go to the Web site for answers before calling in.

9. Increase your customer base beyond normal geographic limits: Having a Web site instantly allows your business to make your products or services available nationally (or even internationally). Owning a Web site means you can literally have a worldwide audience.

10. Sell products, services, or information anytime: A growing number of Canadian individuals and businesses are transacting online. As your website is available to the public 24/7, hence, your 'store' is always open.