It’s a no brainer. Online businesses are here to stay. If you have a brick-and-mortar business, you need some kind of Web presence. It can even be a site that refers customers right back to the main store.

Even the Better Business Bureau is pushing businesses to get online.  A release came out from BBB today that says that most small businesses still have not taken the time or money to create a site. The BBB recommends that small business owners ask themselves four questions to decide if they should build a site:

Can customers find you online already?  How many people still use the print yellow and white directories? Fewer and fewer. You need to at least have a Web site that lists your business’ name, phone number and address. A list of your products or services is a big plus.

Is your competition online? If so, you have to be there right along with them. More and more potential customers are starting their search online and will go with the business they find on the Web. It that is your competition, then you may have lost a sale.

How is social network? You do not have to spend hundreds of hours on Face Book, Twitter, etc. etc., but you do need to keep your social network going. Your Web site will give people a way to reach you other than calling or going to your store. It will also give you a quick way to reach them, instead of costly print marketing and advertising.

Could you expand your sales online?  You may feel that you reach everyone you want through your brick-and-mortar store. Just ask yourself, “What do you have to lose by putting up a Web site?” You can have a Web site in place in an hour and for only $100.00 a year. That’s sure worth it to see if you can get more sales.