Why Your Small Business Absolutely NEEDS a Website
…and not just a Facebook Page
There are so many aspects of entrepreneurship that can be scary. You are continually charting into new territories, taking on tasks that seem impossible, and putting yourself out there to drive your business forward, just to name a few.
You know what you shouldn’t be scared of… a website. Yes, I said it. Your small business NEEDS a website. And even if you aren’t tech-savvy, you shouldn’t be deterred.
Recent surveys reported that small business owners claim they don’t have the skills, the time, or the money to build a website. But a surprising number say they don’t need a website in the first place, either because it’s not required or because they use social media instead.
That idea is changing quickly though, especially since coronavirus has made in-person business more difficult. Almost 30% of small businesses plan to use a website for the first time in 2020. Were you among them?
If you're not, you SHOULD be. Customers now expect small businesses to have websites. And there are several reasons why you would want them too.
You Can Control The Information & Branding - Without a website or even with just a Facebook or Yelp Page to guide customers, you are limited in showing your potential clients what it's like to do business with you. A website will give you full control and customizability to let everyone know what YOU want them to know about your business.
A Website Makes You More Reputable & Trustworthy - Having a website is so commonplace nowadays that anyone that doesn't have one is seen as not being reputable or, even worse, not capable.
You Can Find New Local Customers - For many years, local businesses shied away from having a web presence. It was seen as a means to attract customers globally and not for local marketing. Well, times have changed. 46% of all Google searches are people looking for something right near them.
A Website Can Reduce Your Workload - Your website isn't going to reply to all those emails or pay your bills, but it can help reduce the amount of client back-and-forth you need to do in a given day. By having basic information about your business shown clearly on your website, people can get many of their questions answered without having to reach out to you. Things like service descriptions, prices, and other FAQ's on your website can put information at the client's fingertips and keep you doing more of what you love.
You Can Sell Products Online - This is a no-brainer for those that have a product-based business, but even if you provide a service to your customers, the one thing 2020 has taught us is that consistent income is key. And when pandemics hit, all businesses need diversity in their income streams to stay afloat. Selling your product line on-line (or even a few retail products, related to the services you offer) can really help bring in some cash when you can't meet face to face with your clients.
These are just some of the reasons why your small business needs a website. Are you lost on where to start?
Putting a website together can be less painful than you think. There are plenty of DIY website design applications that make it relatively easy to drag and drop elements to create a simple and effective website for your business.
There are also people like me, who will happily help you get your website up and running the way you want it - fully branded - and with the look and feel you want your business to convey. Your clients will know what it feels like to be in your business before they set foot inside it OR do business with you before they ever get you on the phone.
So, what are you waiting for?
