If your business has come this far without a website, you may ponder whether having a website is necessary. You might wonder what the point is, especially if your business has already achieved success without one.
In a nutshell, there has never been a more opportune or crucial time to invest in a website for your business. A website offers an array of advantages for small businesses, and these advantages tend to compound in value over time, much like the growth of the internet itself.
Curious if your small business needs a website? Here are ten compelling reasons why the answer is a resounding “yes” 🙌:
- Enhanced Professionalism: Studies indicate that 84% of today’s consumers perceive a website as a sign of credibility, differentiating businesses from those relying solely on social media profiles. A website also provides an avenue to showcase professional certifications and awards.
- Google Visibility: To maintain ongoing success, attracting new customers is vital. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by improving your visibility on Google. While social media is indexed on Google, a website offers more comprehensive tools for Search Engine Optimization (SEO), boosting your chances of appearing on Google’s front page.
- Product and Service Showcase: Your website enables you to display high-quality photographs of your products and services. It allows potential customers to envision what they can expect when they engage with your business.
- Prominent Reviews and Testimonials: Featuring your best reviews and testimonials on your website builds social proof. This can include customer testimonials and mentions in articles from newspapers or popular blogs, creating a lasting record of positive feedback.
- Encourage Customer Contact: Websites provide a convenient platform to display contact information prominently, making it easy for potential customers to get in touch. Modern website builders even allow the creation of contact forms to safeguard your business email from spam.
- Google Maps Integration: Embedding maps on your website makes it easier for people unfamiliar with your location to find your business, especially beneficial if you host events or attract visitors from outside your neighborhood.
- Industry Presence: In today’s digital age, 71% of small businesses have websites, and 81% of consumers research products and services online before making a purchase. Having a website helps establish your brand within your industry and connects you with customers seeking your offerings.
- User-Friendly Website Builders: Contemporary website builders like Squarespace and Wix simplify the process of creating attractive, mobile-friendly websites without requiring coding knowledge.
- Long-Term Success: With over 59.5% of the global population using the internet as of 2021, businesses without websites risk invisibility in an increasingly digital world. To stay competitive in this environment, an online presence is essential.
- Affordability: Building a website has become more cost-effective. A DIY approach can result in a website costing less than $100 per year, and popular platforms like WordPress offer free core software and affordable themes and hosting options.
In conclusion, the question should not be, “Do I need a website for my business?” but rather, “Can I afford not to have a website in the digital era?” The answer, if you want to thrive in the long term, is a resounding “no.” Your customers and competitors are online, and without an online presence, you risk being left behind.
Ready to get started? Explore our recommended website builders for small businesses or follow our step-by-step tutorial on creating a website with WordPress, a popular and user-friendly platform that powers a significant portion of the internet. If you have any questions about launching a website for your small business, feel free to ask in the comments section below!
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