Does your business need a website? Many business owners ask themselves this question, but they don't know how to find an answer. What are the benefits to having a business website? What, if any, are the drawbacks? Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether a website can increase your selling power and help your business become a solid player in your market.

1. The internet is the go-to source for information. Whether you are looking for movie times or restaurant reservations, the internet is the first place most people turn. Could you be missing out on customers and exposure because you do not have a solid, easy to find internet presence? Without a website, the answer is likely 'yes'. Your competitors probably have websites, which means that people who search for your industry are being funneled directly to the competition.

2. Having a web presence establishes a business as a serious player in their market. People associate having a web site with being legitimate. Just like being listed in the phone book and having an office in an established area, having a website tells people that you are there and open for business. If this is the impression you want to present, a website may be the right choice for your business.

3. A website gives you visibility. How do you feel about free advertising? Does putting your name out there sound like a good idea? If so, having a website can accomplish this for very little cost and time. Once you have a website, you can join webrings and business directories that can channel interested people to your site.

4. Customer service 24/7 is a great feature to having a website. You don't need to pay people to do this for you, your website will tell anything someone needs or wants to know immediately. This is a great way to screen customers and only have direct contact with serious clients.

5. A website can create a larger reach. If you are currently limited to your immediate area, a website can reach thousands more areas. You can become a global industry immediately.

Are there drawbacks to having a business website? It's hard to think of any. Starting a business website can take just a few hours and cost almost nothing. If you are willing to educate yourself about the basics of html, there is no reason to hire an outside professional. Even if you don't want to do it yourself, professional freelance web designers are very affordable and can put up a high quality website in just hours.