Many small business owners might be thinking to themselves whether they actually need a website. After all, social media can often cover all the information you need to display online, so why bother investing the time?
Regardless of business size, a website is an incredibly beneficial asset to have. We at Gee Productions appreciate that not everyone might be able to see the immediate benefit to expanding their online presence, so we’ve written this article to give you all the information you need on why your business needs a website.
1. Your competitors probably have one already
It’s fair to assume that your competitors (whether local or international) are already online. Having a website can be as simple as showing your potential clients that you exist, which can help create leads to your business. While you might not even sell anything online, having a business website at least creates a presence for you in the market.
2. It’s much easier to find you
If a potential customer is looking for web designers near them, or a local store in a new area, social media might not be their first port of call. Many people will jump straight to a search engine, so having a website means you can pop up on their search. Being able to find you with a simple Google search is much more appealing than trawling through Facebook business pages, so it makes sense to set up a website even if it’s just for the Google hits.
3. Websites are an investment
Even if you don’t plan on selling things online, having a business website is an investment that’s worth making. While you can get fairly inexpensive web design packages, it’s worth throwing a bit more money at it for better returns in the future. A more expensive design package often comes with the designer’s superior knowledge and some level of upkeep, meaning you don’t have to worry about it. Similarly, making money from your website can be as simple as selling ad space on it.
4. Customers appreciate reviews
In the days before the internet, word of mouth was often the best a business could expect for building interest. Nowadays though, potential customers are always on the lookout for reviews. This is where a website comes in handy: it gives you a place to collect all of those amazing customer reviews you’ve had, and lays them out in a way that’s appealing to new customers. Even if a customer does rave about you to their friends, at least having a website means that these people can Google you and see for themselves.
5. Websites are always accessible
One of the biggest limitations in a physical store is opening times. A website, on the other hand, is never shut. This means that customers can shop when and where they want and access important information about your business at unsociable hours. You might even find that this takes a surprising weight off your daily activities in your store.
6. Adds to your brand image
Brand image is so very important to a successful business. Websites add to your brand image because they are a unique space in which you can show who you are and what your business does. A well designed website can do wonders for customers’ trust in a brand, and can be very effective at swaying potential customers into using your service.
7. Allows you to show your knowledge
Similarly to point 6, a website also allows you to demonstrate your industry knowledge. Whether this is a blog of useful tips, a portfolio of your work, or simply a place to state your professional qualifications, a website is the perfect place to do this. Showing potential customers your relevant experience and knowledge can be the deciding factor in converting them into paying clients.
8. Offers customer support
Business websites are the perfect place to offer customer support options, and this saves you having to do it over the phone or social media. Along with simply stating what your business does, websites give you the chance to write out FAQs and other support options, because the chances are that if one person has a question about your business, then others are thinking it too.
9. Websites look professional
Customers expect businesses to have a website in this day and age. Even if it just provides location and opening hours, customers expect it. As a result, having a business website makes your brand look more professional and with the times. You might even find that not having a website is enough to turn away potential clients – particularly younger ones – as not having a website can be seen as old fashioned.
10. Every business is selling something
While you might not sell physical products, every business sells something. It could be a service, knowledge, or connections, but all companies have something to offer their client base in exchange for money. A website helps to facilitate this because, as we’ve established, it gives you a place to collect your business information along with a platform for contact.
11. Websites help with marketing
Even small businesses need a marketing strategy. This should include social media presence and possibly ad sales, but should definitely include a website. If nothing else, a website gives clients somewhere to visit if they click on one of your ads.
12. Reach a larger audience
While reaching a large audience might not be helpful for all businesses, it’s definitely useful for some. It’s hardly a surprise that having a website increases your business’s reach, particularly on an international level. So if you’re looking to expand your company, then a good website is a no-brainer.
Conclusion
Having a well designed website for your business makes a massive difference to customer trust and can have a big impact on conversion rates. If you’re looking for professional web design and maintenance for your business, contact Gee Productions. We know exactly what it takes to build an effective online image for your brand.