Your small business needs a website just as much as huge corporations with an international footprint. A significant portion of your customer base might eventually stem from your website or another component of your online presence. The bottom line is you might be leaving a considerable amount of money on the table by doing business without a website. Here is a quick look at the many reasons why small businesses of every variety should have a website.
1. Your Competitors All Have Websites
The competition has a website so you should as well. Think like a customer. If you stumble on a local business's website then look up another competing business only to find it has no web presence, you are likely to shop at the one with a website. Though plenty of older customers don’t research local businesses on the web, a substantial portion of your audience will view your business in a negative light if you do not have a polished website optimized for mobile devices.
2. Gives You Credibility and Legitimacy
It does not matter how small your business is or how limited of an audience you have; a website will create the impression your business is legitimate and professional. Just be sure to make the website informational to build a rapport with visiting customers and establish credibility. If the website is not well-designed, people will not return for subsequent visits or spend money for your products/services. Make sure your address, hours of operation, contact information and any other important details are easily found. Shoppers don’t want to waste time digging around a website.
3. Showcase Your Product/Services to Wider Audience
The lack of a website limits the number of people who will see your products and/or services. There is no reason to rely on word of mouth advertising when you can set up a website for little money to showcase your offerings. Your website really is a quick and affordable means of connecting with an endless number of customers.
4. Relatable to Customers
Modern day customers are looking for information about businesses on the web. The majority of consumers conduct online research before making a purchase. This means if your business does not have a website, it is a sign you do not stay up-to-date with technology and are uninterested in connecting with new customers. Even if your website is comprised of a few pages, it is better than nothing.
5. You’ll Show up in Google Search
This is one of the more important reasons for small businesses to have a website. Shoppers use search engines to pinpoint local businesses for products and services. If your business does not show up in the local search results, it will be that much more difficult to compete with other businesses.
6. Customer Support
View your website as another wing of your company's storefront and customer service department. Someone should regularly check the company's email and online contact submissions to touch base with interested customers. The website should be updated with regularity to reflect your business's latest offerings. Continue to use your site to educate customers about your services to increase loyalty.
7. Generate More Profits/Leads
Though your brick-and-mortar store cannot be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, your online store can operate around the clock. If you sell products that can be shipped to customers with ease, invest some money in an e-commerce store. Your online store will empower you to sell at all hours rather than traditional business hours.
Do Not Go One More Day Without a Website
If your small business does not yet have a website or if the site has not been updated in a while, it is time to take action. A website is an absolute essential to business success in 2019 and beyond for businesses of all sizes. Launch a website, make it easy for customers to find you and your business will capture that much more market share.
About the Author
Marla DiCarlo is an accomplished business consultant with more than 28 years of professional accounting experience. As co-owner and CEO of Raincatcher, she helps business owners learn how to sell a business so they can get paid the maximum value for their company.
