You’ve probably heard that a website makes your small business look professional. But did you know that, on average, customers think that small businesses with websites are more credible than those who don’t have sites? In fact, a massive 81% of customers research a business or service online before making a purchase decision.
You might resist building a website for your small business because you feel you aren’t tech-savvy enough, don’t understand how to manage a website, or are concerned about the price. The good news is that there is a solution out there that will work for everyone. Read on for five top reasons your small business needs to have a website.
1. Instant Credibility
One of the main reasons you should have a website for your small business is to increase your credibility. Most customers today are skeptical. After all, most customers won’t trust a company without a website. Having a professional website instantly boosts your credibility as a legitimate small business. Chances are, unfortunately, several competitors are offering a similar service to yours. One way to stand above your competition is to have a polished website that communicates quality information to your customers.
2. Attract New Customers to Your Business
One of the best reasons to have a website for your business is because it can increase your chances of finding potential customers (leads). How come? Small business websites are available 24/7, 365 days a year, even when you’re not. Once people find you online, they’ll be able to take the time and learn all the facets of your services and what sets your business apart. They’ll be able to see videos, photos, testimonials, blog posts, and so much more. And with an easy way to contact you, they’ll be able to reach out to purchase your services. Even though websites have a cost, they often have a positive return on investment (ROI).
3. You Own All the Data and Analytics
In the past decade or so, it’s become commonplace for small business owners to set up a social media page for their business and think that’s enough. They never go the extra step by creating their own small business website alongside their social media page.
But what they’re missing out on is that, by solely utilizing a social media platform, they’re losing out on a vast amount of data. Now they may be able to pay for some specific insights, but they’ll never have a hand in the pot of all the data from their social media page.
Owning a professional website gives your small business a huge insight into your customer’s journey. Pair your site with a customer relationship management (CRM) platform like HubSpot or Salesforce, and you’ll be able to track potential customers from the first time they visit your site to the exact time they click on a link in an email that you have sent. You can even track their first inquiry, giving you the opportunity to pitch your services.
Additionally, social media platforms could go away tomorrow. We’ve all heard that before, but the fact is, if that ever happens, all that customer data also goes away. So it’s paramount for your business to grow and scale to have a website, and an email list isn’t a bad idea either. Recently, I decided to take my own advice, and I’ve started sending out a monthly email newsletter. It’s a great way to both educate my customers and keep in touch with them.
4. It’s Not as Hard or as Expensive as You Think
You don’t need to be tech-savvy to get a website. Many website designers have simple onboarding processes, which make things quick and easy for you, even if technology is your foe.
Also, it can be very cost-effective. Over time, the relatively low investment of getting a small business website will pay dividends by giving you new and repeat customers. Plus, you can use it as a business expense and lower your tax threshold.
5. Having a Website Will End Up Saving You Time
How often have you gotten a call asking about your location or hours of operation? Many small businesses screen dozens of calls from customers asking these same things over and over. If you miss a call, the customer is left unhappy. Calls can also distract you and your team from focusing on the most important parts of your business. A website can reduce these calls by having your information ready and available. This, in turn, increases internal productivity. Once you have a small business website, you can spend your time doing more valuable tasks.
Websites have become essential for small businesses today. If you’re going to do one thing today to help your business be more successful, it’s to make getting a website your top priority. You can improve it over time, but the key is to start.
