Some retailers have the misconception that a website is useful only if you are planning to sell over the Internet. They cannot be further from the truth.

The web will never replace the traditional retail selling, but it is an invaluable complement to any business, and it cannot be ignored.

With our fast-paced lives, more and more shoppers like to research on the Internet. This does not necessarily mean that they will shop on-line, but armed with their findings they go out and buy from the physical store. Make sure they find out about your business when they do their research.

The information on your website can include products ranges and catalogues, store location, feedback forms or e-mail, details about your business, etc.

You do not need to start big. Actually, it is better to start small and grow as the need arises. This will allow you to get feedback from your customers and tailor your site according to their suggestions.

E-marketing can also be a very powerful tool, as it allows you to keep in touch with your customers at a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising. If you collect customer information, then a weekly or monthly e-mail notifying them of a new product range, a promotion, a discount sale, or anything that may be of interest to your customers, will keep them coming back to your store. Remember that in most cases 80% of your business comes from 20% of your customers, so keeping them informed and happy will prove beneficial.

In the end it all comes down to good customer service!