Why Every Business Needs a Website

There used to be a time when marketing and business experts would have considered a website as being optional for some businesses. Not anymore. In today’s always connected world, every business needs a website, including small businesses and local businesses.

Here are 9 reasons why your business needs a website.

  1. Customers Expect You to Have a Website
    Your customers expect to be able to quickly find information they need about your business, products, or services by turning to the internet. This is best delivered on a website, even if you have a good social media presence. Your website doesn’t have to be big or complex, but you should have one.
  2. Potential Customers Use the Internet to Search for Your Products or Services
    People use the internet today like they used to use the phone book, i.e. when searching for a product or service they, they use Google. This includes local services such as locksmith or plumbing services. If you don’t have a website, the likelihood of these potential customers finding you is greatly reduced. Instead, they will go to one of your competitors that does have a website.
  3. A Website Brings Leads and Customers to Your Business
    Not only will a website let potential customers find information about you, it will also give you an opportunity to turn those visitors into a lead or customer for your business. Remember again that this applies even if you are already strong on social media. This is because your social media profile is unlikely to appear in a search result. If you want leads and customers from search (and who doesn’t) you need a website.
  4. Makes You Available 24/7
    A website never closes and it never sleeps so customers can find information about you and can even contact you via forms any day of the week and at any time of the day or night.
  5. Presents a More Professional Image
    A website also gives your business legitimacy. This goes back to the first point that customers expect you to have a website. If you don’t, they will have questions about your professionalism so might choose one of your competitors instead.
  6. Demonstrates Your Experience and Authority
    A website also gives you an opportunity to showcase what you are capable of. Examples of this include writing blog articles, offering case studies, or publishing testimonials. All these things enhance the image of your brand and build trust with potential customers.
  7. Allows You to Target a Wider Audience
    If you choose, you can reach a global audience with your website or simply a wider audience closer to home. In other words, a website lets you expand into new markets.
  8. Gives You an Opportunity to Personalise Your Brand
    You are in control of the content on your website so you can present the right image about your brand to visitors. For example, you can provide reassurance if you provide professional services or show off your fun side on a blog if you offer more light-hearted products.
  9. Delivers Good Return on Investment
    A website is an inexpensive marketing tool that will deliver long-term results for your business. You will get value in terms of brand recognition and customer services, but it also helps you increase revenue.

Finally, a website is not difficult to get and can be up-and-running quickly with minimal effort from you. If you don’t have one yet, it’s time to get one.