As we continue to progress into the future, more and more people are spending a large amount of their time online. And why not? So much of what we are looking for is easily accessible on search engines and social media. This means that people are increasingly searching online for what they want and need. People are purchasing products and doing their shopping online, booking services and appointments online, and researching topics and interests online.
So, in light of these facts, does your business need a website? Absolutely!
Why Your Business Needs a Website
1) Builds trust with your audience
When people are searching online for something they are interested in, they are more likely to feel more comfortable with a company that has a website versus one that doesn’t.
Think about it.
Oftentimes it is the initial point of contact that a person has with a business. And today, most people expect for a business to have a website.
2) Gives you an edge against your competition
Since most businesses do have websites, it actually hurts your business not to have one. If your competitors have a website but your business doesn’t, who do you think is having a better first impression on the user – your business or your competitors? Definitely your competitors. The user doesn’t get to have that initial interaction with your business that they are experiencing with your competitors.
Without a website, your competitors that do have a website are likely getting the initial upper hand.
3) People can find you on Google
Google is by far the most used search engine today. Nearly 5.6 billion searches are performed on Google every day. That’s a lot!
If people are searching for something that your business offers, but your business doesn’t have a website, searchers are going to have a hard time finding your business. But, they will likely find someone else offering the same thing as you or something similar. That’s missed opportunity!
Having a website gives your business the opportunity to show up when your audience is searching for what you provide.
4) People can learn about your business and what you offer
A business’s website allows people to get a feel for what the company or organization is about. It’s a perfect opportunity to portray to the user your business’s vision, mission, and ultimately the heart behind what your business does and why you do it.
A website also allows you to share with your audience what you offer, whether it’s a product, service, or any other offer. This experience allows the user to connect with your business on a personal level which can encourage them to take action.
5) People can take the action that you want
Aside from portraying what your business does and is about, your website is a great place to allow customers to make a purchase, schedule a service, contact you, or take any other desired action you want. A business’s website can be a central hub for customer interaction and sales.
Can You Run a Business Without a Website?
The purpose of this article isn’t to say that a business can’t run or operate without a website. Many businesses certainly can and probably do. But, without a website, there will likely be missed opportunities for growth and expansion. Think about it as low hanging fruit. A business can rely on traditional marketing, PR, and word of mouth referrals, and they can still be successful.
But, with more and more people becoming internet reliant, why miss out on the enormous opportunity that online marketing offers?
Is Having a Website Worth it for a Small Business?
A website is just as important for small businesses as it is for large businesses and enterprises. After all, a small business is defined as a business with 500 employees or less. And, small businesses actually make up 99.9% of all businesses in the United States. So, yes, a website is essential for any business that wants to be found online.
Why Do Some Businesses Not Have a Website?
There are 2 main reasons that businesses don’t have a website.
1) Some businesses don’t see their need for them
The majority of businesses without websites simply do not think that they need one. According to a survey, these businesses don’t think that a website is beneficial for them and that it would be an irrelevant investment.
While I respect the opinion of these business owners, I believe most of them are likely misinformed and uneducated concerning the benefits that a website can have for their business. If they knew how much an online presence could benefit their business and brand, I think they would change their minds.
2) Cost
The second leading factor for businesses opting out of getting a website is the cost factor. Many businesses believe that websites are too expensive and are not worth the investment. But, again, much of this is probably due to a lack of accurate information.
Websites aren’t that expensive when compared to the benefits that they bring. For example, our ready-to-go websites start at only $1000. For most businesses, that sort of investment is more than worth it when compared to the benefits they will reap.
Does My Business Need a Website? Final Thoughts
With nearly 60% of the world’s population active on the internet, it makes complete sense for any and every business to have a website. Hopefully you now see that the question isn’t “does my business need a website” but rather “why doesn’t my business have a website.” With people relying on the internet more and more, now is the perfect time to invest in a website. You and your business will be thankful you did!
If you’d like to move forward with getting a website created for your business, check out our website design service. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have and go over your specific needs.
If you have any comments or questions, feel free to share them in the comments section below!