The Importance of Presence

In the National Museum of China, there is a well-preserved copper plate featuring a depiction of a small rabbit and the following text: “The Liu Family’s Kung Fu Needle Shop from the city of Jinan. We buy high-quality steel rods and make fine-quality needles, ready for use at home in no time.” The artifact dates back to the Song dynasty in China, which ruled from 960 to 1279 AD, and it is considered the world’s earliest identified written advertising medium.

Around the same time in Europe, as cities grew and became more bustling, most of the general populace was still unable to read. Merchants and traders had to rely on alternative methods of advertising their products, such as hanging large signs depicting their profession—a boot for a cobbler, an anvil for a blacksmith, and so on. In Paris, town criers would walk through the city, loudly announcing the latest services offered by the barber just down the street, including not only the services but also their prices.

So, what did a small family business of needle makers in medieval China and European traders in Paris around 1,000 years ago have in common? A solid understanding of what is important for a business to succeed and remain sustainable: being present in the spaces where their potential customers are.

Presence and the Modern Times

Has anything changed in the vast span of a thousand years since that first written advertisement for needles? When we look at how the world evolved—shifting economies, advances in technology, and the growth of global trade—the answer is clear: yes, a lot has changed.

Over the centuries, societies transformed in ways that impacted how businesses operated and how products reached consumers. The rise of written language, the development of print, and later, digital media all expanded the ways businesses could communicate with their customers. New forms of advertising emerged, from printed flyers and newspapers to radio, television, and eventually the internet.

These technological advancements allowed businesses to reach much larger audiences, often on a global scale. The shift from local trade to international markets, coupled with improvements in transportation and communication, meant that companies had to adapt and find innovative ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

However, despite all the changes, one thing remains constant: the core principle of being present where customers are. Whether through a simple copper plate or a highly targeted online ad, businesses have always needed to ensure they are visible to the people who matter most—their customers. And even though the methods and tools have evolved, this principle is just as vital today as it was a thousand years ago.

The Website: An Essential Medium for Modern Business

Now, let’s focus solely on service-based businesses—the local dentists, beauty salons, and those friendly, hard-working barbers down the street. These businesses, often deeply integrated into their communities, rely on providing essential services to their clients, and in today’s world, their presence online has become just as important as their physical storefront.

Although your regular customers from the neighborhood can still spot the white and red barber’s pole above your shop’s door and wander inside to check the services and prices, chances are many will miss it or simply won’t have the time to stop in and check the price of a haircut they plan to book in a few days. Your presence in the spaces where potential customers are will determine how many you can reach. Let’s be honest: simply existing in a physical space on the corner of the street, in today’s competitive market, often isn’t enough.

In the busy world of the 21st century, the most important space is the virtual one. As people spend more time online, whether browsing on their phones, shopping, or searching for services, being visible in the digital space has become essential for businesses. Your potential customers are no longer just walking by your physical storefront—they are looking for you online, whether through search engines, social media, or websites. Having a presence in this virtual space ensures that you’re accessible and visible to anyone who might need your services, no matter where they are or what time it is.

Establish Your Online Presence at No Cost

With Schedwise, setting up your own professional website is quick and free. Our website builder makes it easy for businesses to create a site without any technical know-how. You can personalize it to match your brand, making sure it looks and feels like your business. It’s a simple way to showcase your services, pricing, and business details, all available to potential customers 24/7.

But what really sets Schedwise apart is how it simplifies the booking process for your clients. From listing your services to allowing them to book appointments directly, everything’s in one place. Your clients can schedule appointments whenever it’s convenient for them—no phone calls, no back-and-forth. It’s all about making your business easy to find and connect with in the online world, where people are already searching.

Whether you’re a dentist, a beauty salon, or a local barber, having a website that showcases your services and allows for easy booking ensures you stay relevant in a competitive market. In today’s world, being seen online is just as crucial as the medieval signs and copper plate advertisements of the past.