Why Small Businesses Need a Website
The Internet has made it possible for consumers to support local businesses and “shop locally” in the past few years. Many entrepreneurs see the opportunity to grow their business by having an online storefront that allows them to market to customers who are outside of their geographic area. It is for all these reasons that it is essential that small businesses have a website.
A strong online presence is crucial for any business. We asked small business owners how important a website was to them, and what benefits it brought their organization. Continue reading to find out how a site can help you take your business to a new level.
The Welcome Mat
Websites are the doorway, welcome mat, and gateway to a business. It should both educate and evoke emotion in the consumer. The first impression is what will determine whether the consumer will engage with the brand.
It shows you actually exist
In today’s digital age, a small business must have a website in order to be successful. You will lose out on a lot of potential business if you don’t have a website. Consumers won’t be able learn about your business or you. A website is a great way to show your audience you exist.
This shows potential clients if your business is the right fit
Small businesses need a platform to accurately represent who they are, and why people should use or buy their products. You want to be available when potential customers search for a service or product. You want to make sure that they see a functional, clean website which makes them feel as though your business is a good choice. It is important to have an online presence for your brand. A website represents it in the digital world.
People Need to Find You On Google
Google is the go-to place for people in today’s digital age to find almost anything, from products and services nearby to answers to their questions. Search engines are crucial to the success of online businesses. You cannot be found by potential customers if you don’t have a website. Create a central place to store all of your information, including your phone number, address, product/service list, prices and contact form. This will allow people to easily find your business on the internet.
Credibility of Business Increased
A website will increase your credibility as a business. A website is a must-have for any business in the digital age. You will be perceived as less trustworthy and not convert as many sales if you don’t have one. You will be found online by customers, and a website is a good way to establish trustworthiness.
This allows you to compete
A website is essential for every business, just as you would plant a tree. A website is a great way to put your business into an environment that will allow it to thrive. You can use it to market your product, establish credibility, differentiate yourself and, quite frankly, compete. You will lose out on many opportunities and even loyal customers if you are not online. If you can’t be found, your customers will go to someone else.
You can expand your physical location.
Websites are a great investment. Your presence is usually limited when you only operate in one location. You can reach people all over the world with a website. These people could become investors, customers or suppliers. They would never have found you without a website.
It is a reflection of the service you will provide
Small businesses should use a website to communicate with their clients and reach out to them in a timely manner. Consumers today use websites to not only identify companies with whom to transact, but also to determine the ‘fitness or trustworthiness’ of a small business. A website that is ‘outdated’ or inadequate may convey to the consumer today a lack of attention to detail or laziness – traits which are unattractive to them and cause them to ‘swipe right’.
You can now download your digital brochure
A website is a digital brochure. A website is primarily informative, giving people an insight into who you and your company are, what you do, or offer. When content is engaging and fresh, a website’s best features are community building, connection and loyalty. Websites must be mobile-optimized, as the majority of searches are conducted via mobile devices.
Your own domain name increases credibility
A website will give your small business credibility. You want your business to show up in the search results when someone searches for your service or product online. Your email address will also be more credible if it has your own domain (company.com). If you are sending emails from your personal email account, customers may not treat you seriously.
A website is also a must for every small business. I tell the entrepreneurs that I work with to concentrate on their “core” social media channels, which are LinkedIn, Facebook Twitter and Instagram. You can promote your website on social media once you launch it.
You can advertise for free
A professional website allows people to find you easily and access the information they require. If you optimize your site well, you may also appear in search results even if people didn’t know they were searching for you.
Create pages to describe the services that you provide and where they are offered. You can also create pages that explain your products, or how you solve common problems. You can transform from an invisible Cleveland plumber to one who appears whenever anyone nearby searches how to unclog drains.
In our digital world, it’s essential
Customers enjoy the convenience of online shopping. Businesses that do not have a website are missing out on this market. They may also be considered outdated or “not with it” by people who have grown up using the internet.