A lot of small business owners don’t have a website for their business. Many don’t think they need one, some don’t think they can afford one and others aren’t sure how to get one. In this post, we’re going to focus on the reasons why you absolutely need one.

Your customers are online and you need to be too.

One of the main reasons Amazon has become the largest company in the world is because people want to order things online instead of going to a store. Even things like grocery shopping and buying a car can be done online and they’ll be delivered to your house. We use the internet for everything these days and that includes searching for local businesses in our cities and towns. 97% of consumers use the web to search for local businesses. What happens when they can’t find you?

A website lets people know you’re real.

People expect businesses to have websites regardless of their location and size. Not having one can make them wonder if you’re a legitimate company or if you’ve gone out of business. A website makes a business look more professional and allows people to learn more about you and your products or services. 80% of people research a company online before visiting or making a purchase with them and one of the big things they are looking for is a website. If you don’t have one, they’ll probably go with one of your competitors that does.

A website provides vital information.

People want to do as much online research about a product or service as possible before contacting or visiting a business. They want to see pictures, read descriptions, read user reviews and compare your product or service to what your competition is offering so they can make sure they’re getting the best. Not having a website is a big hindrance to their ability to do that and they’ll most likely do business with one of your competitors who is providing them with the information they’re looking for.

A website is a part of providing good customer service.

96% of consumers say customer service is an important factor in their choice of loyalty to a brand. Good customer service starts when they are still shopping around and the business that provides the best service is probably who they’re going to choose. A website can be a great way to start providing that service and to start converting them into a customer. If 80% of people research a company online before visiting or making a purchase with them, be the company that provides the best information and makes it easy for them to find it. Studies have found that consumers are willing to pay more for a good customer experience so make sure you’re the business providing it.

Opens up marketing opportunities.

Marketing is becoming more and more digital every day and your options are limited if you don’t have a website. Social media marketing, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, and online business listings are some of the most effective ways to market your business but they are extremely limited if not outright impossible without a website.

Why a Facebook page doesn’t count.

Some small business owners think that having a Facebook page is good enough but unfortunately it’s not. For starters, a Facebook page does not convey the same level of professionalism as a website since it’s free and absolutely everyone has one. A lot of consumers researching your company aren’t going to be satisfied with just a Facebook page. There are millions of fake Facebook pages out there so having one doesn’t show them that you’re a legitimate company. And you’re limited in how much information you’re able to provide and the format you’re able to provide it. Plus, you don’t own your Facebook page and you’re completely at the mercy of Facebook. Facebook can make any changes or take away features that you rely on at any time and there is nothing you can do about it. You’re putting all of your eggs in one basket and you don’t even own the basket.

Since an online presence is vital to the success of your business, shouldn’t you be the one in control of it?

Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about the benefits of a website or what your options are for creating one.