As of January 2021, it was reported that 4.66 billion people were active internet users. That fact, in itself, is enough of a reason to start making a website for your business as soon as possible. If you need a little more convincing, you’ll find it here.
In this post, we’ve put together a list of the top 9 reasons why your business needs a website to launch your business into the online realm, and stat. We don’t need to tell you that today, the world is a more virtual place than ever; its integration with the digital realm something that’s only going to increase.
Whether you like it or not, setting up a space for your company online is a smart step for any businessperson who wants to stay relevant and accessible in a world where 31% of adults admit to being on the internet “almost constantly.”
The truth is, paper phone books are disappearing around the globe for good, and the majority of folks look up a business online before choosing its services. Because of this, the way your website looks is important. That’s not necessarily the purpose of this list, although it may steer you in the right direction to choosing a professional-looking design when creating your site.
Whether you’re extremely tech-savvy, have been putting off designing a website, or feel like the concept is over your head, don’t stress. It’s a lot easier than you think. But before you can even dream about the design, you need to make a real decision to do it. And that’s where this list comes in. So why don’t we just go ahead and jump right in?
1. Everyone uses the internet
We’ll start this list off with a simple yet impactful point. 85% of US adults say they use the internet at least once per day. That’s a huge number of your potential customers scanning through web pages, many of them looking to spend money. If you’re not online, they certainly won’t be spending it with you.
2. A website is your digital business card
Sure, paper business cards are useful, but they contain a very minute amount of information about your company, and usually nothing about the many services you offer.
A website acts as a virtual business card, a place you can direct prospective and returning customers towards to learn more about what you do, who you are, and what makes your business unique.
It’s an additional, easy step that most consumers are willing to take to check out a company before choosing its products or services. Plus, it makes it more likely they will choose you after learning more about who you are.
3. It helps build your credibility
Don’t just let them take your word for it, show them you know what you’re doing. Whether you’re an RMT starting your own mobile business or a plumber who’s been in the trade 25+ years, having a place to show off your experience and expertise is a valuable asset that may be what makes a potential customer or client opt for you over another, less experienced professional.
4. It adds organic traffic
Along with those you direct to your website, people searching for services in a specific area will most likely land on your site — as long as you have the right SEO. If Search Engine Optimization is a technique you just can’t wrap your head around, there are many professionals out there who can.
Having your own spot in the virtual world is a smart way to generate new customers. Since, according to statistics, those seeking a service will consult, on average, 10 sources before they make their purchase. Your website may as well be one of those.
5. A website can help your business grow
Unlike review sites and Yelp pages, your website is entirely up to you. You have control over what’s on there. Allowing you to sculpt the image you want consumers to see, you’ll be able to add pages of customer testimonials and reviews to help build your credibility and showcase your best work.
When people come across your website online, they’ll discover what you have to offer and will know how to get in touch with you for further questions. Depending on what kind of product/service you offer, they may even be able to make a purchase online.
6. It’s a place to provide basic details & save you time
Instead of customers calling your store for simple information about your location, hours of operation, and when you’re closed for the holidays, they can turn to your website instead.
It’s somewhere you can put all of your basic details to save you or your staff time and breath, considering folks can now find all of that information online.
In addition to details, popping in a widget that allows customers to book online or browse your catalog will help them out too, securing their business when they’re ready to book versus waiting overnight to give you a call.
7. Provides a space for specials, promotions & announcements
Maybe you own a physical store, or maybe you don’t. Even if you do, paper flyers in your window only go so far as to let existing customers know about what you have going on. What about those who haven’t shopped with you before?
A website is the perfect, low-cost platform to post any information about discounts you’re currently running. It’s also a great spot to announce changes in your business should they ever happen — and its reach is much farther than a poster in a shop window.
8. Gives customers ‘round the clock access
Not everyone browses during the daytime. In fact, there’s something called the “internet rush hour,” a certain time of day when internet use is at its peak. And guess what? It’s between 7 pm and 11 pm when businesses are usually closed.
During this time, users make many decisions about what they’ll buy the next day or research services for pesky jobs around the house they’ve been putting off. Without a website, it won’t be your business they’re looking up unless you’re listed in the yellow pages. But even so, why would someone choose a service by name alone when they could read more about one that has a professional and tasteful website?
Operating like a virtual, low-cost neon arrow, your website will direct customers to your business even after you’ve closed up shop for the day.
9. It carves out a place for your name in the industry
Want to keep up with modern competitors? Meet them on their level, and then one-up them. Newer brands were born on the internet, and you can bet they have professional, easy-to-navigate websites that give off great impressions.
But you know what they don’t have? Your experience or personal touch. Filling your online space with your credentials, examples of your work, and testimonials you’ve gathered through years of business will help build trust and give you an edge.
Takeaways
Don’t want to risk it? Hire a professional service to do it for you. They’ll take down all your details, create a site that matches your business’ aesthetic or mission, and input meaningful content to capture the heart of your company.
Creating a website is essential to attracting new customers and staying current in your industry. A professional-looking platform is ideal, but the real important thing is that you don’t put it off any longer. Contact Addictive Design to get your professional business website started today!
