5 Reasons Why A Website Is Important For A Small Business
A website is an essential component for any operating business, especially for a small business. Now more than ever, it is necessary for business owners to ask key questions such as, “where are my customers found?” “where is my competition engaging with my target audience?”.
The answer is easy, they are all online.
Therefore, it is only natural that you need to adapt. Whether you need it to establish your brand by raising awareness and engagement as an online presence or to create a steady flow of online traffic which could bring potential customers to your brand. Nonetheless, a website is a necessity.
Here are the five reasons why small businesses need a website:
Credibility and legitimacy are interconnected with a website
In contemporary times, where the internet reigns supreme, there is an expectation that all businesses, whether big or small have a website. If at times you’ve come across a business that does not possess a website, the chances are you would most likely not associate with the business.
According to HubSpot, website launch and integration generates, on average, over 470,000 website visitors, 1,800 leads, and 300 new customers per month, for different organizations ranging in different sizes.
Overall, a website allows the capability to develop the brand from an online perspective, establishing legitimacy and appealing to possible customers.
Enhanced accessibility and global outreach
As the online landscape continues to expand, so will the variety of different electronic devices and online channels.
As of 2020, mobile devices and tablets, generated about half of all website traffic globally. As a small business with a readied website, this allows you to reach an assortment of customers and prospects than ever before.
Furthermore, 51% of consumers make use of websites to evaluate and gage online purchases through the employment of mobile devices. “The sky’s the limit” is the best description on why small businesses need to utilize a website.
The attraction of potential customers online
As a small business, you are always trying to appeal to potential customers.
Possibly you have been applying traditional marketing practices such as television & radio advertising and print promotion activities to gather new customers.
Nowadays, they are deemed to be inefficient and expensive for small businesses. Transitioning to an online focus, allows for a small business to find customers in a new way.
For the most part, your customers expect your business to have a digital presence. Individuals, groups and organizations are seeking and researching the value of your brand and more notably from whom to buy online.
If you do not have an online presence, especially through a website, you will be left behind.
- Access to data, feedback and response
Collecting data, feedback, and customer responsiveness can be difficult to gain if you do not have a website to direct those data forms which could help improve and enrich your small business.
Furthermore, a website can be considerably supportive, with a built-in online chat bar. This allows the customer to communicate while they are on your website instantly.
Also, a webpage dedicated for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on your website, allows you to receive and answer feedback responses which fosters relationships with customers.
Exhibiting your products and services to the online world
A website is the best way to highlight your products and services online. This offers an opportunity for your small business to show why customers should buy from you.
Look at this process as a narrative; emphasizing on how your small business supports the community, in turn fostering relationships and resolving challenges. The crucial component for a website is to be engaging and personalization.
If you are still conflicted in utilizing a website, I hope the reasons presented above can provide a solution to your online presence predicament. But most importantly, the website must represent the brand itself. It must represent the values of your small business.