We’re living in the age of internet and yet it’s surprising to see that as of 2016, 46% of the US-based small businesses did not have a website, according to a survey.
Sounds surprising, doesn’t it? Especially considering the fact that people turn to the internet for every little query including the stupidest of searches.
You may think you’re not tech-savvy enough to build a website, or that it will be a costly affair, or the infamous “I don’t need one,” but the truth is if you still don’t own a website, you’re missing out on a lot of potential opportunity.
Still not sold on the idea that you need a website?
Keep reading…
1.Website introduces you to a larger audience pool
There was a time people used to tune into radio, read newspaper ads or watch them on television. The scenario has totally changed today. All these things are out of the picture. Today people turn to the internet to explore new businesses.
As of 2017, the number of internet users was around 4.1 billion. That’s a lot of users. This is not to say that all those internet users are and will be your audience. But, by not having a website your business is unable to capture many strong leads and customers.
2. Adds to your credibility as a business
There’s a difference between running a business out of a home and having a proper office/shop. The latter would sound more trustworthy and credible. Similarly, there’s a difference between claiming to be a brand and actually having a strong online presence to back it up. The fact that you’ve taken the pain of launching a site and securing an online presence testifies that you take your business seriously.
3. Simply because customers expect it
Smartphones have become an accessory more common than watches. It takes literally a couple of seconds to search something on Google. With such incredible ease of access to information, it goes without saying where customers would turn to if they need to find a promising local business. If you don’t have a website, a large chunk of customers are simply not able to find out. A website is the bridge connecting a business with users.
4. It’s a one-time investment
A website doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, depending on how simple or complicated a website you need, you can set a budget that you’re uncomfortable with. There is a wide variety of web hosting providers with different pricing. Also, this is going to be a one-time investment, but the results you will get will come in the form of multiplied earnings, increased brand awareness, and a wider customer base. Therefore, this time one investment will be worth every penny, time, and efforts.
5. Makes it easy to keep audiences informed
Planning on launching a new product line? Going to host an event? Plan on offering some special discount? One way is to put a neon sign outside your shop or put-up billboards. But, that requires a lot of time, effort, and toil. Even then you’ll be able to inform only limited number of people. But, with website, it takes seconds to inform people of a new update or a product launch or basically anything new.
6. Helps your brand positioning
In the absence of a website and strong online presence, it gets difficult to offer a direction to marketing and branding efforts. You cannot exercise full control over how you want to establish yourself and the kind of branding you want. A website gives you a voice. You can connect your website with social media channels and from there you can position yourself as a brand however your heart desires. Traditional methods of marketing and branding don’t offer that kind of liberty and room for exercercising control.
Wrapping Up
If you want to take your business to the next level building a professional website should be your top priority. In the absence of a strong online presence, you are definitely going to miss out some fantastic benefits that a professional website can offer you. So, if you want to gain credibility, keep your customer updated with your services and improve customer service, invest in a professional website today.
