There are still many companies and websites out there that still have a hard time simply embracing the internet as a whole never mind really pushing it hard on the social media front. Social media was kind of that ball out of left field effort that has really snowballed into something amazing but many website owners still stumble and fumble their way through the social networks and the web in general.

Is it because they have built a business for generations without the use of any technology? Does the digital era scare them? What is it?

Here are some reasons why I think people are still scared to get involved with the internet:

Never Needed It: Many older business owners who have had their business for many moons simply grew their business never relying on things like Facebook and Google to help them build awareness. They did it the old fashioned way by hitting the bricks and shaking hands over cups of coffee. At the extreme they might have had a Yellow Page listing in the phonebook, remember those?

Those are the big yellow things they pile up on sidewalks across every major city that turn into big piles of mush once the rain hits them.

Many of these business owners found a way to do it and they stuck through it never thinking they needed more but what happens when you want to retire in 10 years and have your kids take over your business and nothing has been done online during it most optimal time possible?

Denial: Some people out there actually still think that the “interweb” is a big ole fad that is just simply going to go away very soon. I think it is time to wake up and smell the coffee because chances are your competition is pulling away very valuable customers using that so called “interweb” as we speak while you wait for someone to pull the plug on one of the most valuable and important communication tools ever to hit man kind. If you are in denial you need to realize the internet has made a profound impact on many business owners including your competitors so it is time to hop on the boat and see how green the grass really is on the other side.

Think It Costs Too Much: Yes the word “digital” sounds expensive but in reality internet marketing can be done on a shoe string budget if needed. All it takes is a little bit of perseverance and knowledge to learn the ropes. You don’t have to go to a big agency and spend 50 grand a year on your SEO. There are many smaller reputable firms all over the globe that are priced very fair and conduct excellent work for their clients. No need to go out and hire an in house person and have to deal with all the hoopla associated with having a new employee, you can outsource the internet marketing efforts and still make a very nice impact in your niche.

The reality is there shouldn’t be any reasons why a business cannot get involved with the online marketing space for their business. The days of being frightened to get into the internet space and being scared should be over. It is easier than ever to dip your little piggies into the internet marketing waters so stop making excuses and come join the party. You will be happy you did.