Company websites help consumers make purchasing decisions

Certain times of year lead to surges in consumer purchasing, including particularly during early fall when students are heading back to school and around the holidays. Consumers used to have no choice but to browse several company websites for  e-stores to find the best price and quality before making a large purchase, but with the growth of the Internet, consumers spend time researching companies before they ever enter a store.

Many companies use in-store signage or billboards to advertise during these times, but online marketing methods can be more effective in capturing the attention of a consumer ready to spend. Without an up-to-date website, companies can lose business, according to Forbes. Especially around major shopping times, consumers use the Internet to find deals before visiting a store.

In the past, consumers could either buy a product they liked in the store or try to remember it and look it up online later, but with smartphones and tablets, people can use their devices to compare prices from anywhere. The trend to research beforehand is important for small companies to note because it might require them to reconsider their online presence. Because some small businesses do not have a website or a listing in an online directory, consumers may be unable to find this information and search for a different retailer instead.

Small businesses should have an effective, up-to-date website. This means a design that captures a viewer’s attention, clear contact information – such as phone number, hours and location – and includes adequate product details so consumers can make comparisons without hassle. Most larger companies offer this experience for consumers, but there is room for improvement for smaller retailers to create a dynamic, modern website that helps interested consumers progress along the path to purchase.