“Why do I need a website for my business?” Has always been the question of most small business owners trying to build an online presence. Well, the answer is YES. You do need a website for your business, A GOOD ONE. A professionally designed, lead magnet, sales booster, brand-differentiating website.

A business’s online presence, regardless of industry, can have a massive impact on its success. In this day and age, some businesses still don’t realize that a majority of their customers will visit their website before making a purchase.

Having a strong online presence, particularly a website, can be a make or break for generating more revenue. Yes, the quality of your website impacts results, but the purpose of this article is to stress the importance of making sure you have a website.

I’ve helped numerous small businesses of varying sizes create their digital presence. In some cases, there are hesitant to get online because they feel they are not tech-savvy enough and don’t understand how to manage a website. Other times, small businesses are concerned about the price.

We’ve put together some specific 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! 

1. 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 purchase, even if it’s to buy something from their local shop. 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 customers—and those are certainly not messages you want to send! 

2. 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.

3. 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 other markers of trustworthiness. A website also shows that you are open for business during a time when there is a lot of uncertainty. 

4. You can sell products online

Online sales were on the rise even before COVID-19 kept everyone stuck at home. And these trends are expected to continue after businesses reopen to customers. So even if you don’t think of yourself as an “eCommerce” business, you can still use an online store to benefit your offline business.

It can help supplement your income when you’re closed in-person and attract new customers who will now be able to find your services and products via Google and other search engines.

5. A website is more affordable than traditional advertising

Many small businesses who don’t have a website still rely on Yellow Page ads or traditional advertising to get their name out there. But is purchasing an ad in an ever-shrinking and increasingly expensive directory the best use of funds, especially if you’re trying to cut business costs? Websites cost much less than they have in the past and give you a wider reach than regular advertising. 

6. You can find new local customers near you

A website isn’t just for finding customers across the globe—it’s an essential tool for attracting local customers too. Many Google searches are people looking for something right near them. That’s especially true of mobile phone users who might be looking for a store, restaurant, or other services while they’re on the go. If you don’t have a mobile-friendly website, you’re missing out on an opportunity to catch those visitors when they’re right in your neighborhood. 

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 recently 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. 

Conclusion: every business needs a website

The case for having a website in today’s world is very strong. Almost all the businesses surveyed said they planned to have a website by the end of the year. Are you part of this group? Make it a reality by contacting us for a website today, and see how easy it is!