A website is seen as an essential for all businesses now, including small businesses and start-ups. When you take into consideration that 71% of businesses now have a website, you would be missing a massive chunk of potential business if you didn’t have one.Still wondering about the reasons your bsuiness needs a website?
So, whether you run a local shop, a service-based business, a consultancy, or an e-commerce store, a website helps you stay competitive, build credibility, and attract more customers.
And when you look at recent statistics, the majority of consumers (around 63%) use websites to find businesses, with many (around 30%) refusing to even consider a company without an online presence. It just makes sense doesn’t it?
Here’s my 10 reasons why your small business needs a website:
1. Increases your business visibility
Consumers ‘do the Google’ and search online before making purchasing decisions. If your business isn’t online, you’re missing out on potential customers. A website ensures that people can find you 24/7, whether they’re searching for your products, services, or business hours.
Mobile search is increasing, and people expect businesses to have an online presence they can access at any time. Local search with mobiles is on the rise, and being found in search results helps you find visiting customers too, which can be invaluable for local business, such as shops, restaurants and service industries.
2. Builds credibility and trust
A professional website establishes credibility and reassures customers that you’re a legitimate business. It’s the first place that people look for contact information, customer reviews, and details about what you offer. It’s a little like having digital real estate – an address in the online world that’s open 24/7, 7 days a week.
Without a website, you risk losing potential clients to competitors who have an online presence. Don’t forget how many people use online searches before making any purchases. They use search to research products or service even before the buying stage.
A well-designed site with testimonials, an about page, and a portfolio of work can make a huge difference in how people perceive your business.
3. The cornerstone of your digital marketing
Your website should be the foundation of your online marketing strategy.
It allows you to integrate SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), social media, and digital advertising to attract and convert leads. The mix of these give you well-rounded digital marketing.
Without a website, your marketing efforts might not be as effective. SEO helps you rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Plus, you can use email marketing, blog content, and lead capture forms to engage with visitors and turn them into loyal customers. Relying on social media alone is not going to cut it these days.
4. Improves your customer service and save you time
Customers often have common questions about your business—your hours, pricing, services, or location. A website answers these questions automatically, reducing the time you spend on phone calls or emails.
Building a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section can be such a time-saver in the long run. And it allows potential customers to do their own research beforehand. Being able to answer their questions right now, can make you seem like a better option than your competitors.
You can also offer FAQs, chat support, and downloadable resources to improve customer experience and satisfaction. The more informative your website, the less effort you’ll need to spend answering repetitive questions.
5. Expands your customer reach
A website allows you to reach customers beyond your local area.
Even if you’re a small business with a physical premises, like a shop, you can reach and attract online customers and sell your products worldwide. They can check out your products, see reviews, check FAQs and checkout online effortlessly.
Likewise for service-based businesses, like designers or coaches, you can sell your services digitally worldwide – especially with tools like Zoom or online learning platforms.
6. Allows competition with larger businesses
Many small businesses hesitate to invest in a website, thinking they can’t compete with bigger brands. However, a well-optimised, professional website can level the playing field somewhat.
With smart SEO strategies you can look to rank for keywords and phrases that potential customers are actually searching for and returning engaging and informative content to them.
With targeted digital marketing, small businesses can rank alongside bigger competitors and attract the right customers.
7. Provides customer insights
A website allows you to track visitor behaviour through analytics tools like Google Analytics. You can see where your visitors are coming from, what pages they view the most, and how they interact with your site.
Yu can also view what search terms they used to find your website and the pathways they take through your structure.
You can also use tools to create quizzes, polls or feedback forms which can give you valuable insights into your customer drivers.
All these insights help you refine your marketing strategies, improve user experience, and increase conversions.
8. Offers easy customer engagement
There are a number of ways that your website can boost your customer engagement.
A well-designed website isn’t just an online presence. It’s also a dynamic tool that fosters relationships, builds brand loyalty, and keeps customers engaged with your business around the clock.
Features like blogs, FAQs, and videos keep visitors interested, while email sign-ups and social media integration encourage ongoing connections. Live chat and chatbots offer instant support, enhancing user experience. Customer reviews and testimonials build trust and encourage interaction. Gamification, contests, and online communities further engage users and keep them coming back.
Adding social media integration, email signups, and interactive features encourages visitors to stay connected with your brand.
9. Helps to establish brand authority
A website helps establish brand authority by showcasing expertise, credibility, and trustworthiness.
You can do this by blogging about industry trends, offering expert insights, and sharing case studies demonstrate knowledge and reliability.
Certifications, awards, and media mentions build further credibility. Engaging with customers through FAQs, live chat, and social proof strengthens trust. A strong, informative website not only attracts visitors but also reinforces your brand’s reputation, setting you apart from competitors and positioning your small business as a go to authority.
10. Future-Proofs Your Business
A website is for life and not just for Christmas!
Social media may change, and demographics move between those platforms. Your social media account could be disabled, or the platform cease to exist. Building your business on social media alone is like building on sand.
The digital landscape is continuously evolving, and businesses that don’t adapt risk falling behind. A website ensures that your business stays relevant, flexible, and prepared for future opportunities.
As technology advances and your business grows, you can add new features like online booking, AI chatbots, or virtual consultations to meet changing customer demands.
What’s next?
Well we’ve just covered ten good reasons your bysiness needs a website. In today’s digital age, a website isn’t just an asset, it’s a necessity.
Get the website foundations right and your website should be able to grow an adapt as and when your business does. You should be able to add new functionality, like shops, booking, and just build on what you already have when you need to.
Let’s not forget 2020 and the rush to pivot businesses. The ones who already had a website were already ahead of the game. Many just had to tweak their existing websites to pivot into digital sale or bookings.
Investing in a website today will ensure long-term success for your business in the future.
If you fancy having a go at building your own website, here’s a blog on How you can DIY your website and also Which type of website is best for your business
If you want to investigate having your website built for you then why not have a look at my Portfolio or find out what my Website Packages include and how my stress free website process works.