Twenty-nine percent of businesses plan on starting a website this year. Meanwhile, 36% of small businesses are currently working without a website.
A well-designed website can represent your brand and help you attract more business! That’s only the start. Despite all the benefits of having a custom-built website, however, there are still some companies on the fence about going digital.
Who needs a website and how can it benefit your business? Keep reading to find out! In this guide, we’ll review who needs a website, why, and the reasons many businesses are still on the fence.
Continue reading to discover why you need a website for your business.
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Why You Need a Website?
If you’re asking yourself, “Who needs a website?” the answer is simple: every business owner. A well designed and developed website can help your business reach new customers! Without one, however, you’re handing that opportunity off to your competitors.
Websites are ideal for any business type, too. Here are a few examples:
- Doctors
- Dentists
- Real estate agents
- Handymen
- Electricians
- Contractors
- Counselors
- Landscapers
- Accountants
- Artists
- Dry Cleaners
Whether you’re a small business owner or work at a large corporation, you need a website to effectively market your business.
Still on the fence? Here are a few factors to consider if you’re still wondering why do you need a website:
1. People Search for Brands Online
Seventy to eighty percent of consumers research businesses online before visiting a store or making a purchase.
Another 51% of consumers discover new companies or products online.
If you don’t have a website, how are consumers discovering your business? Consumers spend hours every day checking their digital devices. They’re more likely to find your business on their phone in the comfort of their own home than upon seeing a single billboard in town.
If you’re asking “Does my business need a website?” think about your customers. Consumers want an easy, fast user experience. Maintaining a website that provides all the information they need will make it easier for them to find your business.
Consumers even expect companies to have an online presence, which can include a website and social media presence. Any company that doesn’t have a website, however, risks looking illegitimate and less professional.
Instead, you can create a website that markets your company for you.
A website can provide consumers with information about your products and services. You can also maintain a blog that provides in-depth insight into your industry. Providing your audience with relevant, helpful information will lead them to trust your brand.
At the same time, you can also improve your ranking on search engines like Google. A higher ranking will position you ahead of the competition. This can lead to more clicks to your website, which can lead to more leads.
Your website will become one of the most important and effective marketing tools you’ll use to generate business growth.
2. Websites Boost Engagement
Do you provide customers with chances to contact you? A website will give your customers numerous opportunities to reach out. For example, you can add a form or chat system to your site.
Boosting engagement can help you generate more leads.
As people interact with your website, your search ranking will also increase, which can help you reach more customers.
3. Commercial Transactions Are Influenced by Web Content
Many B2B business owners feel they don’t need a website because to reach other businesses. However, many B2B buyers research the same way consumers do.
In fact, 67% of purchases for industrial manufacturing and pack-and-ship industries are influenced by digital interactions. Meanwhile, 58% of B2B industrial manufacturer purchasers start online research with a product before looking at a brand.
Whether you’re B2B or B2C, you need a website to attract interested buyers to your business.
4. Consumers Make Judgements Based on Your Site
Customers are less likely to trust you if you don’t have a website. If you’re not online, customers will have a more difficult time verifying you’re a credible, trustworthy business.
You can post reviews, credentials, and awards on your site as social proof to build brand trust.
Otherwise, your site visitors could turn away and look to someone else.
5. Beat Out Big Competitors
If you’re not online, your would-be customers will find someone else in your industry instead. As a result, you’re almost handing off customers to your competitors.
Digital marketing tactics like search engine optimization (SEO) can help you compete with bigger competitors. You can build your credibility online and develop a strong reputation in your industry. Without a site, however, you’re losing that opportunity.
Common Objections
Still asking, “Who needs a website?” You’re not the only one. Here are a few common objections business owners have against maintaining a website.
1. A Website Isn’t in the Budget
Many small business owners fear they can’t afford a website. However, your site is a major marketing asset. A one-time website fee can help you bring in leads and sales for years to come.
You don’t need a fancy, expensive site to start out. However, you do need to make sure it’s visible to search engines. Otherwise, customers might not find you online.
2. You Already Have Enough Business
Even if you’re already thriving, you still need a website to build an online reputation. What if sales take a hit? What if customers can’t find your location?
A website can benefit your business in the past and present.
3. You’d Rather Make a Free Site
A lot goes into making a website, including responsive design, schema markup, SEO, and file compression. Instead of building a website on your own, consider hiring a website design company.
They can develop a website that meets the highest standards. Without these features, however, your website might fail to bolster business.
Is It Time for You to Get One?
Yes! Don’t wait to design and develop your company website. You can start experiencing these benefits of having a website now and get a step ahead of the competition.
The sooner your website’s online, the sooner you can generate new business.
Who Needs a Website?: It’s Time to Decide
Don’t keep asking yourself, “Who needs a website, anyway?” You’re only delaying the inevitable! As more consumers head online to find new brands, it’s important to have a site that’s ready to represent your business.
Otherwise, you could end up missing out on potential opportunities for business growth.
Searching for more business tips? Head over to the Biz section of the blog today!
