RCS Technology Basics: Why Build a Web site for Your Business

Reasons to build a Web site for your roofing business may not seem so obvious at first. After all, roofing is not a retail item you sell with a shopping cart, so how is building and maintaining a Web site really going to make you money? Some of you may think your business is too small to need a Web site. The tangible benefits may not be there, but the intangible benefits should make you think twice before dismissing a Web site. Here are a few reasons a Web site can help your business.

Having a Web site will build credibility for your company. A roof is a big ticket item for most families and when doing research, they are going to search for you on the Internet. According to Internet World Stats the United States has 220 million internet users, about 74% of the population.

You need to have a Web site. It does not need to be fancy but it should explain what your company does and where you are located, what services you can provide for them. If it comes down to you and the competition, and you're the one without the Web site, which company do you think looks more credible? (I am definitely NOT saying that the company with the Web site is more credible, but perception is key in closing a sale.) Look at it as the modern phone book advertisement.

A Web site can replace your traditional brochure. You can use your Web site to answer basic questions like hours of operation and if you offer payment plans. Updating a Web site with new information is much more cost effective than reprinting brochures. In this day and age, even word of mouth referrals will go online to see what you are all about before giving you a call. This gives you a chance to make an impression.

With a Web site, prospective clients can research your company any time of day. They may not be able to do any initial research on finding a roofer till the evening. By being on the internet, you have made it through the first round in their research since you have a 24-hour online presence in a 24-hour world.

Do some research, a Web site is not going to cost you as much as you think. Most sites only need to be four to five pages. You just need a page about your company, a page with the hours and contact information, a page that lists you services and home page to start. You could also include pages with tips for homeowners,testimonials, coupons, a page with your employees and a photo gallery. RoofersCoffeeShop.com has recently partnered with eLocalRoofers.com. They can help you build a Web site at for $200-$300 with a $50 to $100 monthly hosting fee. This includes free updates and maintenance for your Web site also and they will submit your sites to search engines, so you can be found.

You may also explore your local colleges for students that can help for a very reasonable cost or hire a local company you can sit down with face to face. You may decide to purchase hosting on your own. Bottom line, everything is moving towards the Internet and it is never too late to get started. The time is now.