Why should I have a website?
Did you know? 28% of small businesses still don’t have a website! Are you one of these? Likely you have considered a website, but what holds you back? Perhaps you’re too busy with the day-to-day running of your business. Perhaps you feel that it’s unnecessary or your business is too small. Perhaps you feel that social media or word-of-mouth is enough.
The truth is, even if someone finds you via social media or through word-of-mouth, the first thing they will do is search for your website. If you’re not appearing there, then someone else is and you lose out on customers. A website isn’t just a nice extra – it’s the difference between being found and being forgotten. In this article, I’m going to show you some specific benefits there is to having a website, and why a website is essential!
Your website will drive sales
According to uswitch.com, 81% of people are either likely or very likely to buy online from a local business. This means that customers are ready to buy – but the question is whether they’ll find you or a competitor.
A website makes it easy for those people to choose you. It gives your customers convenience – they can browse, book, or buy from home, work, or wherever they are! Instead of waiting for people to walk through your door, your website brings you through their door!
Your website gives you a 24/7 presence
Your physical shop may have opening and closing times, but your website certainly does not! This means customers can check products, see more about your services, submit enquiries – all while you sleep.
This means your business is always open even when you’re not there. You get all this extra visibility, without any extra labour.
Your website improves your credibility
Nearly everyone expects modern businesses to have a website – if you don’t have one, you could be harming your professional image. According to one survey, 8 out of 10 customers will be more likely to engage with a brand – just because they have a website. This shows just how much professional weight a website gives your business.
Your website showcases your products
Wish you could fit more on your shop window? A website doesn’t have that problem. It gives you all the digital space you need to make your products look attractive as possible – and all of your products as well!
A website can make advertising more engaging and interesting as well. You can’t click on a link in a shop window, and you can’t zoom in, and you can’t share to your friends. Your website makes your products into a much more engaging and fun experience!
Your website provides information
Google, Facebook, or a physical address book may have your phone number or your address, but do they show your prices? Do they show FAQs? Do they show opening hours? A website does.
By providing all of this information in one place, your website makes it easy for potential customers to find what they need, answer their questions, and boosts their trust in you!
Your website helps appeal to a local audience
Around 46% of all Google searches are local searches – like “hairdressers near me”, or “cafes near me”. Your website allows you to appear for these searches, helping local people to find and choose you. It’s a simple way to make sure your business stays visible in your community!
Your website gives you data and analytics
Want to learn more about your customers? Want to know who they are, where they are, how you can appeal better to them? When you have a website connected to analytics (such as Google Analytics), you learn how people interact with your business. These insights let you make smarter decisions, reach more potential customers, and increasing your sales!
Your website saves you time
Sick of answering the same questions all the time to customers? Just direct people to your FAQ section on your website! Time saved!
Getting lots of phone calls? Have a contact form on your website that handles enquiries for you! Time saved – both your time and the time of your customers!
Ready to grow your business with a website?
Don’t let your business be invisible online. A website gives you credibility, reaches local customers, showcases your products, and saves you time – all while helping you drive sales and stay ahead of competitors.
Getting started is easier than you think. Whether you want a simple site or something more advanced, a website is your business’s future. Take the first step today and make sure your business can be found, trusted, and chosen by more customers.