Websites are sites on the internet which host information for gathering and presentation in one central online location, which can help businesses of all sizes increase revenue potential through increased online visibility.
Many small business owners worry about whether their organization requires a website, but its benefits are significant. Here are five compelling arguments why your small business must have one by 2023.
1. It’s a Marketing Tool
Websites are one of the most effective marketing tools a small business can utilize, both as an avenue to reach customers online and as evidence that the business takes itself seriously – customers now expect businesses to have websites.
An effective website can help a small business increase brand recognition, leading to more sales and customers. Plus, websites allow companies to promote special discounts or promotions that they may be running.
An additional advantage of having a website is collecting customer feedback on products or services offered by your company, and using that feedback to enhance them and make them even more successful.
Many small businesses find that potential or existing customers call with queries regarding location and hours of operation, leading to many phone calls that require answering these basic inquiries themselves. A website can reduce these phone calls while simultaneously saving both time and money while improving internal productivity by enabling employees to focus on more crucial tasks.
2. It’s a Communication Tool
Websites provide businesses with an invaluable way to connect their brand with consumers. A well-designed business site should provide information about your products and services as well as contact details so customers can learn about updates such as promotions or product launches from your brand.
Professional-looking websites can help establish your business as an authority and foster consumer trust and credibility. However, it should be remembered that websites alone won’t automatically drive traffic or sales; to maximize effectiveness for your site’s visitors and sales potential you must employ marketing strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO) and paid ads to make the website work for your business.
Websites offer your business access around the clock, increasing reach and sales significantly while being significantly less costly than traditional marketing approaches, like newspaper ads or radio spots. Plus, hosting fees and domain renewal costs can be minimal while you maintain full control over content creation compared with social media which could take down posts at any time without your knowledge.
3. It’s a Sales Tool
Websites act like virtual addresses on the Internet and enable customers to find your business easily online. A professional site will include eCommerce functionality to allow new and existing customers to buy your products or services around the clock; after all, the internet never sleeps!
Businesses without websites are missing out on an invaluable sales opportunity. Today’s consumers research their purchases online before visiting physical locations to spend money.
Websites provide consumers with a fast and easy way to discover small businesses and learn about their products and services. Websites also serve as an effective platform for sharing any unique business details that set you apart from the competition, such as sustainability credentials or allergen menus. They’re an invaluable tool to convert visitors into customers through clear calls-to-action and lead-generation tools such as wishlists or abandoned cart emails; using websites as lead-generation methods proves much more reliable and cost-effective than traditional marketing methods that don’t produce consistent, reliable or measurable results over time.
4. It’s a Customer Service Tool
As many consumers research businesses before engaging with them, a website can be one of the best ways to share important information about your organization and establish credibility and stand out among competitors – with over 75% of online users agreeing that website design affects how they assess the credibility of businesses.
Without a website, customers may choose your competitors over you – giving them an unfair edge. But having one can help level the playing field and bring in new customers.
Your website can answer key questions about your company such as its location, operating hours and costs of services provided. This allows potential customers to easily find what they’re searching for without calling your staff first and reduces staff overhead costs. Plus, it serves as an online catalogue with easy navigation for potential buyers to shop from; leading to increased revenues and reduced operating expenses while serving as a communications tool via email, social media platforms or any other mediums.
5. It’s a Communication Tool
As your brand’s hub, a website acts as the embodiment of what makes you special to customers and communicates your role in the market. Furthermore, it plays an integral role in lead conversion using digital channels such as emails and social media.
Websites allow businesses to keep customers up-to-date about the latest happenings at their business through blog posts, as well as share critical company info such as changed operating hours or promotions. In comparison with social media where algorithms control what you post and when, small business websites offer full control over which posts to publish and when.
With an e-commerce website, customers can make purchases around the clock without needing to call or visit you directly. In addition, by featuring frequently asked questions (FAQs) such as Benova does on its site, your customers will quickly get the answers they need quickly – saving both their and your staff’s time in answering queries quickly.
Further Information
If you’d like to speak to us regarding our ability to design a quality website or perhaps how to maximise the potential of your existing website, please give us a call at 01883 372488 or contact us via Facebook and we’ll be happy to talk to you through your options.
