Shockingly, we still hear from business owners who feel that, in their particular sector, they don’t need a website. To them, we say that every business in every sector needs a website. Here’s why…
(1) We’re in a digital age
There’s no getting away from it: if a customer is looking for a product or service, a high percentage are going straight online to search – the days of the paper phone directory are behind us.
Social media is important too, but if it’s all you’re using, you’re not going to be reaching as large an audience as you could.
What if someone searches for your business on Google? Or wants to find out more about what you have to offer?
Social media is a good way to build awareness and make connections, but your website is where you’ll convert people into paying clients.
According to research by Yellow Pages and Local Search Association, 30% of consumers “automatically strike a business from consideration if they don’t have a website”.
(2) It’s 24/7
When you go home at the end of your working day, your website keeps working for you. It gives you 24-hour availability.
You can take advantage of that by using it to answer common questions, enable bookings, take enquiries via email, and generally promote what you have to offer.
When most people are busy during the working day, having a website gives you a way to make yourself available to people even when your doors are closed.
(3) A website builds credibility
People buy from people they trust, and you can begin building that trust with your website. If you’re using it effectively, it’ll give you instant credibility. Make that happen by:
- Writing engaging content about your products and services
- Showing off your personality with some meet the team profiles
- Including customer testimonials that celebrate your business
- Sharing up-to-date news from your industry; being an expert that people want to follow
Credibility breeds loyal relationships. You can’t afford to neglect the benefits an informative website brings.
(4) It’s easy to make your website work for you
How you use your website will depend on what you’re trying to achieve. The good news is, there are plenty of options.
You could use your website to:
- Act as an online brochure. Save the expense of printing one that will be out of date before you know it, and use a website instead.
- Give your business a voice. Tell people about you, set the tone for your business, and set yourself apart from your competitors.
- Add extra value. Offer more with free downloads, industry articles, and blogs that give advice and guidance.
(5) It’s okay to start small
If this is all sounding like a lot of work, don’t panic. It’s okay to start small and grow your website overtime.
A website doesn’t need to have all the bells and whistles from the start. You can focus on what you need to have and build up later.
All websites need to evolve anyway, so begin at a pace that suits you and go from there.
The most important things is to get started. All businesses of any size need a website – you can’t get away from it.
(6) There are experts on hand to help you
Before you dive in to a big project like this, our advice is to speak to a specialist. It’s crucial that your site is designed well if you want to reap the benefits.
Why? Because research suggests that 75% of users admit to making judgements about a company’s credibility based on how their site is designed.
You don’t want to risk having a poor site that threatens your credibility instead of boosting it.
Need advice?
With experienced website developers on our team, we’re here to help. Check out our portfolio or contact us today to get the ball rolling.