Research shows that about 81% of people research a business or service on the internet prior to making a purchase decision. However, despite this number a huge number of 46% of business owners listed “Business currently doesn’t need one” as the top reason for not having a website. It does not make sense, right? Nowadays, businesses need a website not just for identity purposes but for convenience. According to Adaptive Marketing, 97% of internet users search for local businesses around them. This only goes to show that if you’re a small business and you want to grow, obtaining your business website is a MUST. The reason behind having your Search Engine presence strong and it presupposes one having a website already is because customer behavior changes over time to adapt to modern technology, and customer behavior has already changed to adapt to the digital age. Having a website is just the first and most essential step. Especially that ecommerce platforms are a boom these days, customers tend to buy on sellers who have their own website as the website not only provides information on the products but the actual adding to cart and checking out happens on the website most of the time.
In this article, we will be sharing the reasons why every business needs a website and make you want to reconsider not having to build one.
- It increases your credibility and reputation. As compared to businesses who don’t have websites, your website is your identification card that serves as a pass to being a legitimate business. Since the majority of transactions are done online, customers are wary of whom they’re transacting as online scams are inevitable.
- Take charge of your branding. Owning your own website makes you the captain of the ship. As it is easy and quick to be updated, you can incorporate the essential and compelling content to improve your website. Let it be noted that your website conveys your message to people that would make them want to buy and do business with you. You can include testimonials and success stories in your website to boost your reputation branding.
- Enhances your customer base. As compared to those businesses who have zero online presence, your website is your stepping stone in acquiring new customers. Majority of people go to Google to search for something and who knows with a great website coupled with strong SEO strategies, your website might be getting a lot of visits which could potentially lead to successful conversions.
- It’s more cost efficient and time efficient. Forget about pamphlets and newspaper ads, the vast world wide web is your limit. Investing for your website and maintaining it saves you money and effort in hard selling your brand. With your business within a click away from potential customers, you’re sure that the only way is up. Everything can be integrated into your website from your product catalogue to payment gateways to customer feedback. It saves you time in getting more things done at the same time retaining your brand identity.
- Social media presence is not sufficient to carry your brand. Some argued that they don’t need it anymore because their businesses are active on social media. While social media marketing is making waves, it must not substitute your website. A scenario would be people might be flocking to instagram or facebook now but who knows they might not be using those platforms too, thus it could translate to weakening of your buyer base. What we’re trying to point out here is that your website must be established and in place and your social media marketing initiatives must complement it navigating towards the goal- growing your business.
As start-ups or established entrepreneurs, owning and managing a website should lead you to the ultimate goal should really be growing your business and your website altogether. You can make that happen just take the first step and enjoy the benefits that await you.