Today, a business’s online presence can make or break its success, regardless of industry, yet only 71% of small businesses have a website. A strong online presence generates more revenue — it’s that simple. With that in mind, we discuss whether websites are still relevant for your business.
The Power of Your Online Presence
Have you ever travelled somewhere new and turned to Google for information on, for example, the best local ice cream shop? Perhaps a look at the website made you visit and taste the best ice cream you’ve ever eaten. Afterwards, you’d leave a raving review, and people down the street could enjoy a similar experience.
Now, imagine the ice cream shop had no website. It wouldn’t have popped up on your screen. You wouldn’t have tasted the best of the best. In fact, you would’ve remained entirely oblivious of its very existence.
Therefore, businesses that want customers to find them need a website. And where do people go to find you these days? Online.
Are Websites Dead, or Do I Need a Website for My Business?
Many companies use social media as an excuse not to have a website. However, that’s a common mistake. The reality is that websites are here to stay and more relevant now than ever before.
Did you know that nearly half (about 64%) of Google searches are for local businesses? If you don’t have a website, you risk losing potential customers because they have nowhere to find you. Or they might not trust that your business is legitimate if you do not have a website.
Common Excuses Not to Have a Website
Many business owners make excuses not to have a website for their company. We’ve identified some of the top ones.
It’s too expensive
My business is too small
I’m already on social media
It’s too much effort
It’s unnecessary
I already have enough clients
The right clients will find me
I’m not tech-savvy enough
Now, let’s combat this way of thinking by sharing some of the top reasons you need a website.
The Problem with Social Media
The truth is that you don’t own your social media following or post data, so storing all of your content on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook can be risky.
Just imagine another worldwide social media outage like what happened last year. Your business could be in serious trouble! Also, will your business survive if your account gets hacked or you lose all of your content? By creating a website, you can prevent each one of these scenarios.
Why Do I Need a Website?
Here are seven reasons why your business needs a website.
1. It Looks Professional
Let’s compare a Facebook page to a website. Creating a Facebook page is free and can be done in minutes. So then, why would you need a website?
Well, since a business website will cost you time and money, it lets customers know that you’re serious about your business, building your credibility and professionalism in their eyes.
2. It Increases Your Visibility Online
Statistics show that there are over 4.5 billion active internet users worldwide, and more than 90% of them access the internet via mobile devices like smartphones. Therefore, you’re invisible to these potential customers if your business doesn’t have a website.
3. It Offers Proof of Your Successes
Your website is the best place for people to get information about your business. It’s the safest place to display reviews and testimonials, establishing trust and social proof. This, in turn, gives consumers the confidence to buy from you.
4. It Lets You Sell Online
Ecommerce sales are estimated to hit over $5.4 trillion in 2022. Undoubtedly, none of these sales happens with businesses that don’t have websites. Furthermore, an online storefront will help you sell even when your in-person store is closed.
5. It Improves Customer Service
An excellent website answers many simple business questions, such as trading hours, location etc. Therefore, a website helps customers and frees you up to focus on other things, boosting productivity. These days, you also have intelligent automation plug-ins like chatbots to answer consumers’ questions which is super helpful for both your staff and customers.
6. It Gives You a Competitive Edge
A well-thought-out website allows you to compete with your industry’s leading competitors even as a small business. Optimising your website may outrank more prominent websites and get quality leads organically from search engines.
7. It’s Easier Than You Think
If you refuse to create a business website because it’s complicated and too expensive, think again. There has never been a better time to invest in a website than today!
There are various excellent agencies out there who can help you create a website. Furthermore, content management systems (CMS) like WordPress also make managing your website easy as pie. If the idea of managing your own website uploading and Search Engine Optimisation sounds like a bit too much, you can always get a team of experts to help with your SEO strategy.
8. It’s Online 24/7
“Websites promote you 24/7: No employee will do that.” — Paul Cookson.
Since your website is online around the clock, it’s easy to post new information such as updates to your customers. This helps them stay up to date with your business all the time. You’ll be able to host flash sales or inform them that a particular product is out of stock with minimal effort. It’s a win-win!
Still Don’t Think You Need a Website?
While websites are helpful to most companies, there are a few exceptions to the rule.
3 Reasons You Might Not Need One
Here are three reasons your business might not need a website right now.
1. You Don’t Want to Grow Right Now
The biggest reason for having an effective website is to increase your client base and grow your revenues. You probably won’t need a website if you’re not looking for business growth.
2. You Don’t Want to Hire Someone New
Prospective staff will turn to your website for insights and information. If you’re looking to avoid hiring someone, you might not need a website right now.
3. You Won’t Be Selling the Company Any Time Soon
The business website is an important asset that factors into all valuation discussions. If you can prove that your website is successful at getting new clients, you have a better business than someone who doesn’t.
Grow Your Business with a Website
If you want your business to grow in 2022, mere social media marketing isn’t going to cut it. You need a professional website to boost your credibility, generate revenue, help with customer service and increase your online visibility.
Your Perth Web Design Agency
Contact us today, and we’ll design and develop a modern, user-friendly website that connects you with your ideal customers and converts sales.
