Ok I get it. The first thing you’re thinking is “Well of course you’re going to tell me I need a website if you run a business creating websites for businesses”. And of course I am, but not for the reasons you might think. I am a branding and website designer, but I’m also a female founder and business owner just like you. I know what it’s like to run a business and to feel all the struggles there are in doing so.
There are other reasons why having, even a basic website, to begin with is a really good idea. These are to do with running a sustainable business that doesn’t depend on social media alone, having a 24 hour marketing tool that does some of the hard work for you and gives you more credibility.
I hear it a lot from the female founders I meet and chat to.”I haven’t updated my website because it doesn’t bring me any business’. “I don’t need a website because I get all my work through referrals and social media”. “I don’t get any traffic to my site, so what’s the point in having it?”.
Let me flip reverse this for you. And firstly, if you’re getting a load of work through recommendations and socials alone, I salute you! What you’re doing is working and that’s great, but this isn’t a marketing strategy and opens up for a more feast and famine style way of getting work and an unpredictable income. What if one day all the recommendations dry up?
And a point on social media too. If you’re basing your business on selling on socials alone or posting and simply hoping for the best, you’re opening yourself up to the risk of things changing overnight. Social media isn’t yours and you’re living on rented land with this option. We all know algorithms can change and they’re exhausting to try and keep up with and continue second guessing.
Social media is a really important part of the puzzle, but it shouldn’t be the whole puzzle. Having a more sustainable and consistent thing to add to is, like a website will give your business an asset that’s yours and that you have total control over.
Among the above, here are another 5 reasons why having a website is a really good idea, and some you may have overlooked…
A shopfront that’s there 24/7
Picture this: a potential customer is sipping their evening cuppa, scrolling through the internet for a solution to their problem. Guess what? Your business, with a sleek website, is right there in their search results! A website is like having a 24/7 storefront that never closes. It works tirelessly, showcasing your services and your brand to potential customers around the clock. You’re not limited to regular business hours; your business becomes accessible whenever your audience needs it.
Even when you’re asleep, your website is out there, working its magic. It’s the constant that we all need in business to keep ticking over day and night or when we haven’t had the chance to post on socials. It’s always there.
The credibility factor
When a potential customer hears about your business, the first thing they do is Google you. If they can’t find anything, it’s like you don’t exist. Yes, you might be there on social media in the search results, but for a lot of people this doesn’t count. In fact, in a recent survey it was found that 56% of people won’t buy from a business that doesn’t have a website. So, if you think about it, many people will buy from you without it, which is a good start, but think about the potential business you are losing. A website adds a touch of legitimacy and professionalism to your business and it leaves a lasting impression.
Having a website allows you to control the narrative and really showcase your brand and message in your own way.. You can showcase your success stories, customer testimonials, and let people know why you’re the one for them.. Remember, in a world where so much is online, a well-designed website is your ticket to gaining the trust of your audience over the others in your niche who don’t have a website.
It’s a marketing machine
Having a website should be seen as a central hub for all your online and offline marketing. Social media is great, but your website ties everything together and offers somewhere to send people to, to get them off socials and into your world. You can seamlessly integrate your social media channels, run promotions, and even capture email addresses for future marketing campaigns helping you grow your audience and group of loyal followers.
A website is your piece of online real estate where you can showcase your brand’s personality. Use it to tell your story, share updates, and engage with your audience. The power of online marketing combined with a killer website is a force to be reckoned with.
Staying adaptable and growing a sustainable business
As a business owner, adaptability is key. A website provides the flexibility to evolve with changing trends and customer needs. You can update your content, add new features, and stay ahead of the competition. Your website is your business’s digital home, and just like your home, it should reflect the current times, plus with a website you can offer your potential clients an online experience.
As technology advances and things change so quickly, so should your online presence. A website ensures that you’re not left behind. It’s not just about having a website; it’s about having a dynamic, evolving online presence that keeps your business relevant and thriving and able to ride out the storms which will undoubtedly come along from time to time.
46% of small businesses don’t have a website
So, this gives you the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and be the one in your industry that gives a good impression, gives them the opportunity to find more information about you online and for you to show that you’re the leader and then one to trust.
Businesses who take themselves seriously have a website and those who don’t depend on social media and referrals.
Having said that, it needs to be the right time for you have a website and be ready for the work that goes into, not only creating it, but including it in your marketing strategy too. Even as a website designer, I’ll tell you it’s pretty pointless having a website if you’re not driving traffic to it from socials media and through even basic SEO.
My biggest tip for getting a website online is to remember that a website will grow as you and your business do. Start simple and allow your website to evolve over time means your online authority will grow over time too. The more established your domain is online and the more traffic you drive to your site, the more search engines will trust that it’s a great site and send more traffic your way.
So, the biggest question is, are you taking your business seriously and do you want your potential clients to take you seriously too? Think about what having a website can add to the business you already have if you don’t have one. And if you do, consider how you’re including driving traffic to your website as part of your marketing strategy.
Get in touch to find out how I can help you find the best option for your stage in business whether you’re looking to DIY your site and need advice, or you’d like a designer to take you through the journey.
