Why do I need to bother with being higher in Google?
“In a few years there will only be two types of business: those on the net and those out of business” Bill Gates

It is necessary to be on Page 1 of Google?
94% people only use Page 1.
41% of people click Number 1 on Page1.

I’ve used Yellow Pages for years and it’s been alright.
Only 33% of people turn to Yellow Pages to find new suppliers.

If I type my website name into Google, my website comes up.
Only 15% of people search by brand or by web address.  The other 85% search by a want or a need.

I only sell to local customers
81% of people go online to find out about local suppliers.

My competitors don’t come high in Google so why should I bother?
A survey in The NZ Herald found “The most pressing issue, one described as a challenge by 57 per cent of respondents, was local competition.”  It’s your chance to get ahead of your competitors.

I’ve got a lot on my plate at the moment.  I’ll look at Google later.
Later may be too late.  If a competitor starts to claim Page 1 listings, and keeps building on that, then it will become more difficult and more expensive to dislodge them further down the track. Besides, they will have enjoyed more sales and higher profits over that period.

My customers don’t use the Internet.
83% access information about products online.
60% buy things online.
62% of people rate the Internet as the most important source of information about products.
People spend twice as much time on the Internet as watching TV.

Those who don’t use the Internet are either older or on lower incomes neither of which are good long-term prospects for your business growth.

My competitors don’t have websites so it doesn’t concern me.
Only 39% of small businesses have a website but 80% of your potential customers look online to find out about a vendor.

This gives you more opportunities to market to your potential and current customers with promotions, sales and other ideas while your competitors struggle to make sales.