The internet has changed the way the world does business. By creating an online presence, individuals, startups and large corporations have all found a way to reach new customers. However, according to the statistics, almost half of all businesses still don’t have a website. Even though the value of a website is without question, a CNBC survey found that 45% of US businesses don’t have an online presence. For those that think that stat is unique to the US, there are two million small businesses in the UK without a website. Put simply, businesses owners are still missing out because they don’t have a website. The question is, why?
Lack of Access Shouldn’t Stop You from Planning Ahead
In Uganda, one of the main reasons for a lack of website building among small businesses is access. Although the figures have improved in recent years, internet usage across the country is still lacking. According to Internet World Stats, 13 million people in Uganda now use the internet. That’s 31% of the total population, which has two consequences. Firstly, that low usage levels among the general population means that usage levels with business owners will be low. Secondly, the market is a lot smaller. Compared to the US, which has 95% penetration, there are fewer people to target with a website. Therefore, in business terms, it may not be cost-effective at this point.
However, the world is changing and internet access is only going to increase. Because of this, any business owner should be looking towards the future. Another reason many people shy away from setting up a website is cost. Although prices will vary, you can expect to pay between 600,000 and 1.5 million UGX for a professional service. What many business owners don’t realize is that it’s possible to do a lot of the work for free or very little money.
Building a Website Costs Less than You Think
WordPress offers an all-in-one, ready-to-go platform where you can use templates to create a website for free. Once you’ve built a site, it’s possible to get a free domain when you take a hosting plan. Using web hosting reviews, you can find a service that not only caters to your needs but fits in with your budget. Indeed, by looking at where a company’s servers are located, monthly fees and the site’s overall rating, you can choose the right hosting platform. When you’ve done that, everything you need will be in place. What’s more, the cost will be a lot lower than it would be if you use a professional.
Put simply, there is no reason not to have a website if you’re a business owner. Thanks to the latest online technology, everyone can create a professional looking site without spending a fortune. While it’s certainly true that internet access in Uganda lacking, things are improving. For any business looking to stay ahead of the curve, going online is essential.
