[4 Min Read]
5 Reasons Why Every Business Needs a Website
by Samantha Gordanier
Do you have a business without a website?
We understand the reasons why you might resist building one for your business: “I’m not tech savvy”, “they’re too expensive”, “I don’t have the time”, or the infamous “I have enough business and I don’t need one”. The reality is, you don’t need to be tech savvy, getting a professional website for your business can be cheap and easy, and to make it even simpler for you – not having a website is costing you time and money.
Check this out… 81% of people research a business or service on the internet prior to making a purchase decision. That’s 25.92 million people searching for businesses online. Yet, 46% of business owners listed “Business currently doesn’t need one” as their #1 reason for not having a website. We’re not statisticians, but we can see that there’s a glaring disconnect here.
Still unsure if your business needs a website? Keep reading…
1. Having a website will attract new customers to your business and make you more money.
We like this stat so much, we’re mentioning it twice: 81% of people research a business or service online prior to making a purchase decision. If you don’t have a website, you have no chance at capturing a share of this market.
Your website can be available 24/7/365 even when you’re not. A website acts as your “always-on” business advocate during and outside of office hours.
Websites help you convert more of your existing referrals, because most people still do their own research and stack you against your competitors.
2. Add instant credibility to your business simply by having a website.
The 21st century consumer is a skeptic; in fact, 56% of people stated that they won’t trust a business without a website. Having a good website instantly boosts your credibility as a legitimate business.
First impressions count, and websites allow you to make a very strong impression with a well designed introduction for your business.
A website can help showcase your expertise and better position your business. A website can be your number one tool for standing out in a crowd.
3. It’s not as hard, or as expensive, as you think.
You don’t need to be tech savvy to get a website. Many web development companies have very simple signup processes which make the process quick and painless for you.
It can be very cost effective. Websites offer a better return on investment than any other form of advertising. If you’re planning to market your business, a website should be your first priority.
Over time the relatively low investment of getting a business website will pay dividends by driving you new customers and building your brand. Plus, it’s a legitimate business expense and a tax write off.
4. Having a website will end up saving you time.
Whether you’re trading emails, taking calls, or sending out proposals – communicating with potential customers takes time. Your website can save you that time by providing answers to common customer questions and inquiries. What does this mean for you? You can spend your time doing more valuable things.
5. Position yourself and stay in control of your brand.
A website acts as a platform for your messaging and shapes the online perception of your business in a way that your social media channels cannot provide.
The platform allows you to position yourself in the market to get the exact type of customers you’re looking for.
Many business owners have been reviewed online, sometimes unknowingly and/or negatively. How does this affect you? 79% of users who read online reviews, believe them. Combat that negativity by posting your own positive testimonials.
To summarize… You need a website, and it’s easier than ever to get one.
So again, while we believe that not every person needs a website, we’ve shown you why every business needs a website. There’s a very small and inexpensive barrier to entry, and there is a massive opportunity to help grow your business.
If you’re going to do one thing today to help your business be more successful, it’s to make getting a website your top priority.
It’s easy to be a better business. Get a website.
Sources:
Adweek, 81% of Shoppers Conduct Online Research Before Buying [Infographic]
Behaviour and Information Technology Online, Attention web designers: You have 50 milliseconds to make a good first impression!
Entrepreneur, It’s 2016, But Nearly Half of U.S. Small Businesses Still Don’t Have a Website
Inscribd, 19 Bill Gates Quotes about Business and the Real World
Salesforce, The Importance of Customer Reviews and How to Get Them
TurboTax, Computer Software and Website Development Costs
Verisign, Whitepaper: Benefits and Barriers of Bringing a Small Business Online…
Author’s Corner
Sam Gordanier
Hey I’m Sam, the Marketing Coordinator here at Beam Local, where I work on helping my team make great marketing decisions. What do I love about my work? Helping small business owners find uncomplicated ways to grow their own businesses. I’m always on the lookout for businesses who are interested in applying innovative tech strategy to their marketing plans. I’ve worked with hundreds of small businesses, and write content to help business owners get better at running their businesses. When I’m not helping small businesses get better, you can find me on my couch with my cat watching Seinfeld.
Let an expert guide you.
Beam Local helps professionals launch better websites, outrank their competition on Google, and attract better customers for their businesses.
Or Call +1 (855)-831-4530 and Ask for Kyle