In most business circles, the question of whether or not a website truly helps a company's business has become somewhat moot. Simply put, a website is a necessary evil, like it or not. The question is no longer, should a company have a website, but rather, is the website optimized to ensure the best potential results. Of course, it is important to understand what is meant by "helping a company."

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Many businesses are under the assumption that a website is going to turn into cold hard cash for the company. Well, that could be the case if the organization is using a type of e-commerce platform to buy and sell goods. Many businesses are service oriented and as such, the website serves an entirely different purpose.

A website serves as a business card for the internet consumer; it is much like a company resume of sorts. SmartBiz.com makes an interesting point using the yellow pages as an example:

"When was the last time you used the yellow pages or any kind of a phone book? […] But the ease of internet search means that fewer people are using printed books when searching for products and services."

The value of a company website is in the potential exposure for the business. Consumers are becoming much more tech savvy and opting for the internet search over the good old fashion telephone book. Without a website, a company becomes a shadow that may or may not be found during a search. Even if a company's name comes up in a random search, without a website, how will the potential customer determine what products and services the organization offers?

Among many key points illustrated in a 2013 Accountingweb.com article, focuses on the number of small businesses that do not operate a company website. The "Small Business Sentiment Survey" conducted in the summer of 2013 revealed:

"52% of small business owners do not have a website, and 90% do not have a mobile-optimized website."

Beyond the scope of utilizing a company website, it is also important to understand the relevance of marketing through social media. For more information, visit Harvard Business Reviews, http://hbr.org/web/slideshows/social-media-what-most-companies-dont-know/1-slide.