Why does my business need a website?
Today you can have a website for pretty much anything. But for some reason, an estimated 30-40% of small businesses have been slow to get online.
In surveys, many business owners say they don’t have the skills, the time, or the money to build a website. But a surprising number say that they don’t need a website in the first place, either because it’s not required or because they use social media instead.
That idea is changing quickly though, especially as COVID-19 makes in-person business more difficult.
The following sets out the reasons why your small business should have its own website. If you’re a small business owner who is still on the fence, read on!
Customers now expect businesses to have websites
Now more than ever, customers want to be able to find information about you from your company website. Most consumers do research online before they make a decision. If you don’t have a website, it sends a message that your business is stuck in the Dark Ages, that you’re not open anymore, or that you’re not interested in finding new customer.
You can control information and branding
User reviews and comments on other websites are great, but shouldn’t you have the final say about how your company is presented to the public? Having a website for your company instantly creates an official presence on the internet, so that you don’t have to depend on others speaking for you. And you can make it look exactly the way you want, with your own logo and company branding.
A website makes you look more reputable and trustworthy
Consumers are learning to be pretty savvy when they research online. In fact, 75% will judge your credibility based on your website design. That’s why it’s so important to have a modern, up-to-date website with a custom domain and email address. A website also shows that you are open for business during a time when there is a lot of uncertainty.
Does my business need a website if I’m on social media?
Maybe you already have a Facebook page and some pretty good reviews on social media. Lots of business owners assume that a social media profile for their business is enough.
But there are some problems with this strategy. First, you’ll always be dependent on the social media platform you choose. Algorithms change, rules change, and what’s working one day might not work a few weeks from now (as many businesses who depended on Facebook have learned).
If you have a website, it belongs to you, and you control the content and the message.
Trends change, too. If your customers are on Instagram today, they might be on a new platform tomorrow. As people switch from one tool to the next, your website acts as an anchor. No matter what social media service customers prefer, they can always find your website in the same place, available to everyone.