Decades ago, reaching out to prospects and customers was mainly done through traditional mail, phone calls, or emails. Today, you can add a website to that list of must-haves.
There are many reasons a business must have a website, but in this article, I’ll focus on the ten most important ones. Let’s dive right in.
Why Do You Need A Website For Your Business?
Whether you’re a one-man shop or a 10,000-person corporation, you need a website. Here are ten reasons why:
1. Customers Expect You To Have One
Customers expect you to have a website. A phone number and address on your business card are not enough these days. In fact, having a website is key to gaining customers, with 47% of shoppers saying they look for the company’s website before buying.
A website gives you an edge over competitors without one. In 2021, 1 in 4 (25%) small businesses still had no websites. Not having one may create the impression that your business is nonexistent.
Also, customers research and compare businesses online; having a website will help you stand out. Not only does it make customers trust you more, but it’s also free advertising.
2. Showcases Your Products or Services
Your website marks the first exchange between your target audience and your brand. It helps you:
- Showcase what you do or what you sell. If people can’t see it, they won’t know about it!
- Showcase your reputation. An excellent website tells customers you’re an expert, so they’ll trust you and buy from you more.
- Show off your team—and let visitors know who else is on board.
You can also showcase awards, testimonials, and other helpful website features. It extends customers’ site time and influences their decision to contact you.
3. Establishes Credibility
People who see your website know you are an established and legitimate business. It makes you professional and trustworthy.
Think about it—it is easy to create social media pages, and it’s free. But building a website takes time, money, and effort. It shows you are serious about what your brand has to offer.
While having a website establishes credibility, most businesses struggle with keeping it. Visitors are skeptical, and most leave a page after 15 seconds or less of browsing.
Here are some credibility-boosting factors for your website:
- Visuals & Web Design
- Content Relevancy
- Security
- Up-to-date Blogs
- Helpful FAQs
- Reviews & Testimonials
4. Sets You Apart From Bigger Competitors
Small businesses and startups rarely have the same advantages as larger corporations. It could be in terms of staffing, resources, and money.
But, a website levels the playing field. It is true, especially for SEO-optimized pages. Because Google directs 70% of the world’s web traffic, using the right keywords can rank you higher in search engine results than your competitors.
The higher your web page ranks, the greater your visibility to customers, bringing me to my next point.
5. Drives Organic Traffic And New Customers
Your website is a direct line of communication with your customers. I’ve also said that SEO-optimized websites score higher in search results. The more visible it is, the more customers will find you.
Its presence on the internet makes it easier for people to find the information they need about your business: services, products, contact details, and more. Even better, if you have an eCommerce website, customers can shop from the convenience of their homes.
6. Controls Brand Image
Businesses that want to control and maintain their brand’s reputation need a website. It helps brands spread their vision and mission better than commercials or brochures.
And when it’s hard to control what people say about you, you can use your website to present your brand in a positive light. It also:
- Provides an accessible platform for customers to learn about the product or service
- Gives businesses a direct line of communication with their target audience
- Strengthens relationships with the customers they value most
7. Improves Customer Experience
Simple customer questions are usually no big deal. But frequent interruptions could get in the way of your work, especially if you don’t have a dedicated support team.
Now, if you have a website, it can serve as a source of information for your customers. It should include products, prices, locations, hours, and more.
You can put a “Frequently Asked Questions” page to list common concerns about your business. You can also add terms and policies. By doing so, customers can locate whatever they need, improving their overall experience.
8. Makes You Accessible 24/7
The majority of us work 8 hours a day. But the great thing about websites is that they are accessible 24/7.
Once you’ve created a website, you can leave it to function by itself. That way, you don’t need to worry about being out of the office or unable to answer queries.
Moreover, you can keep customers updated using your website. You can use it to post announcements or alerts about sales, new product offers, and promos.
You can also track your website statistics in real-time. You’ll know how often users return and what they click on when they visit your site. With a website, your business can stay “open” even if you are asleep, reaching a global audience 24/7.
9. Gives Long-Term Value
A business website is not just a project. It’s a powerful investment that should last many years and produce a return on investment over time. How do you know if your business website is providing lasting value? Here are five ways to tell:
- Customers are contacting you.
- Customers are looking for more ways to use your service or product.
- People are leaving stellar reviews and ratings.
- You’re getting repeat customers.
- Your website is now the center of your digital presence.
Don’t hesitate to invest in what will become one of your most important business tools.
10. Easier and More Affordable Than You Think
Many businesses are hesitant to invest in websites because they think it is difficult or expensive, with 35% of small businesses feeling their business is too small for a website.
However, today’s website builder tools don’t require technical expertise. It means you can create your website even if you aren’t tech-savvy.
If you want to provide an excellent user experience, it’s worth investing in a sleek and professional-looking website. After all, 38% of customers stop using a website if it looks bad. Plug-ins and upgrades may also cost money to scale your website.
The Bottom Line
A website is a good investment for any business. Whether you’re a brand-new business or an industry leader, it doesn’t matter.
If you need help creating a website for your business, Propus is your web partner. We have web designers and developers who can help you make your vision a reality.
After all, your business deserves to have a website.
