We live in a digital age. With the advent of cheap personal computers, mobile devices and the staggeringly quick roll-out of high speed internet, our lives are often defined by technology, assisting us in research, entertainment and business.

Whilst the net-focused benefits for large businesses are already well known, for small business owners the true utility of the internet can be lost. Why should small and local businesses embrace the internet? What sorts of benefits can it bestow?

Customer Numbers

If a business puts themselves out on to the neon highways of the world wide web, the chances of them attracting a large customer base are far higher than if they were to simply operate in the non-digital realm.

By creating your own business website, you can then list it on online directories, share it via social media, and have it shared by any customers who enjoy your service. There are billions of potential customers who use only the internet to find services and products, and going in to the future this number is only going to rise.

Lowered Costs

One of the best things about the net - especially for entrepreneurs selling products - is that it allows sales to be conducted at a drastically lower cost compared to bricks and mortar.

Shipping, ordering and customer service can all be undertaken through (essentially) free means, meaning more money in the small business owner's pocket. What's more, these lowered costs mean lower prices for customers.

Take online bed site Bedstar, for instance. Through its cost-lowered, internet-enabled business approach, the company can afford to operate a money saving price match promise to assist customers in finding the best possible deal, and prices in general across the site are far cheaper than one would find on the high street.

Improved Reputation

We live in a time when customers increasingly want to find out more about a business before they utilise its services or buy from them, however walking down the high street it can be rather difficult for potential customers to gauge the competency and acclaim of the businesses they see.

With the internet though, there are hosts of sites that businesses can sign up to that allow customers to quickly rate and review service levels, boosting the business of companies that provide a great level of service.

The internet has huge potential for small businesses - don't get left behind the times.