Digital

5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Website

If you’re a small business in any industry and have somehow avoided creating a website until now, you’re missing out on a golden opportunity. It’s hardly news that good web design is key to the strength of a brand. In our modern era of online storefronts and clickable everything, a website can be the thing that truly sets you apart from competitors. Will your website turn curious ganders into conversions and loyal regulars, or send people packing?

Here are 5 reasons your business can greatly benefit from all that a strong website has to offer:

First impressions happen online

Let’s face it: in-person walk-bys are no longer the main way would-be customers browse. Most people Google before shopping, perusing online reviews and sizing up a business’ website before considering a purchase. In this shopping environment, first impressions happen online—and they’re everything. Harsh but true: customers are likely to move on to someone else if your website doesn’t reflect what they’re looking for. And if you don’t have a site at all, it’s likely to rob you of credibility. A quality designer can help create an effective and engaging site, and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. One thing’s for sure: it’ll be worth it.

Search results are king

Consider this: 88% of consumers research their buys online before making a purchase, either online or in-store. Translation: if you don’t have a website, the chances of showing up in people’s search engine results are, well, nil. If you have a site, getting a professional to optimize it for search engines increases your chances of ranking among Google’s top results and gaining better visibility with potential customers.

Tell your own story

Including customer testimonials on your site is a great way to impress potential buyers and raise sales. 91% of people regularly or occasionally read online reviews, and 84% trust said reviews just as much as personal recommendations. While it’s true you could rely on Yelp or other review sites, posting the best ones on your own website helps you to carve out exactly the image you’d like to project, and really take control of your brand narrative. What better way to influence how people see you than to create a controlled, positive environment for them to explore?

Social media isn’t enough

Some business owners don’t think a website is necessary because they maintain a Facebook presence. Thing is, so does everybody else. It’s getting way harder for businesses to connect with users via social. Organic reach on Facebook is actually on a steady decline. In 2018, people spent 50 million fewer hours on the platform than they did in 2017. While social media can help your business expand and should be nurtured, it’s really best not to rely on it as your sole marketing strategy.

Even the playing field

While conducting marketing efforts online has its annoyances and drawbacks, having a kick-ass, professional-looking, optimized website can actually help you beat the industry giants. Many people would prefer to buy from small businesses, and will readily do so if you show up in their searches and appeal to their senses. Not to mention, if you have an online store, your client base grows from local to international, just like that, and you can cater to people wishing to shop outside of regular business hours.

Bottom line:

Get a pro designer on your side and get started, because the sooner you do, the sooner you’ll see results! If you are interested in working with a professional design team, check out our web development services!