The following are reasons why an SME may want to launch his or her own website:

• Your customers are online: If your customers buy products or get information via the Web, then you need to be there.
• You want to reach a national or international customer base efficiently: The Web is not a form of "local" marketing. By its very nature it has a broad reach, so you need to be prepared to take advantage of that.
• A Web site supports your marketing objectives and your budget: Your Web site needs to be part of a fully integrated marketing plan and budget. It's important to have a consistent message in all the tools you use.
• The Web can take the place of, or be more efficient than, other marketing options: The Web can give your customers immediate access to information that it might take them days or weeks to get otherwise.
• You're committed to your site: A Web site requires constant attention. Are you willing to keep it fresh? Can you commit to adding new content every month? Do you have the time and budget to support it properly? If you're not willing to do this yourself, you need to hire someone to do it for you.