The question to business owners a few years ago was “Do you have a website?” With the explosion of personal computers, and the advent of smartphones and tablets, internet access is no longer confined to your desk or office. In fact, there are not many places you CANNOT access the internet, and the coming generation feels the need to be connected 24/7. For businesses, simply *having a website* is not enough – you need a web PRESENCE, and a website is only the starting point of interaction with clients and potential customers.
Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Foursquare, Yelp – these are just a few examples of the many social sharing sites that your business can use in conjunction with a website to “get the word out” about your business, events, sales, or other promotions. Some are better suited to one type of business over another; not all will fit your business model. Use the ones that drive more traffic to your site or to your door, and focus on making the most of them.
Two other options (that are not really options any longer):
1. Making your existing site responsive, or mobile-friendly for visitors viewing it on a mobile device like a phone or a tablet. Screen size limits what is seen first, ease of navigation is a big consideration, and links need to be easily accessed by “fat finger” imprecision rather than mouse cursor precision.
2. Consider a web application (separately hosted, promoted and delivered to phones and tablets via Google Play store or Apple store) designed specifically for mobile devices, distinct and separate from a traditional website.
Your business website is key, but is only part of the picture. It should serve as a jumping off point for the rest of your web presence!