Do I Need A Website For My Small Business?

Most small businesses, especially new ones, run a lean operation. This is understandable as they want to focus on necessities and urgent matters, only spending money when they need to.  Many business owners think that a website is a luxury item they can afford to live without.

But the truth is, a great website is the best way to showcase your venture, especially if you’re a startup.

So, if you’re a small business owner who is still not convinced about investing in a website, the below facts are for you:

• 5 billion Google searches are made every day
• 86% of consumers rely on the internet to find a local business
• 29% of consumers search for local businesses at least once every 7 days
• 72% of consumers say that online search is their first choice to find information on local merchants

Regardless of how small your business is, rest assured that investing in a website is well worth it. Furthermore, below are the top benefits of building a website for your business.

Show Up in Local Search Results – As mentioned above, people rely on search to find information about a business. To compete with large chains, you need to show up in local search results. Local search refers to Google’s search algorithm, factors that are designed to show nearby results to a user. Local search results consider relevance, distance, and prominence when delivering results.

If your business isn’t online and still relies on word of mouth or traditional advertising to attract new customers, you’re likely missing out on potential customers.

Build Credibility – Your brand’s credibility is your business’ foundation towards success. While you can build a brand presence for your business on social media, you’re restricted by the platform’s design, process, and technology. A website can help small businesses increase flexibility, control, branding, and credibility. Based on research, 84% of consumers believe that a business with a website is more credible than only a social media page. To be credible and attract new customers, a website can make a significant difference.

Gain Competitive Advantage – According to research, around 93% of consumers use the internet for research before purchasing. This means that consumers want to be informed about their purchasing decisions— what they buy and from whom they buy. Without a website, you risk losing customers to businesses already taking advantage of online marketing. If you’re in direct competition with another business who has a website, your competitor has a clear advantage—especially if they are effectively marketing their website. A website can help level the playing field.

Collection of customer information – Aside from giving you the platform to showcase or sell your products or services, a website is also an excellent tool to learning about your existing and potential audience. It gives you the chance to collect information about your customers and then tailor your interactions and marketing approach to their preferences.

If you are still unsure why your business needs a website, get in touch with us for any additional question you might have. We will answer those questions and give you advice on your presence and the costs.