I know it might seem like the world is all about social media and instant messaging these days, but guess what? Having a website for your small business is still as essential as ever, and I’m here to break down all the reasons why. And it’s not just because I’m a branding and website designer that I’m telling you this, but as a fellow business owner.
Having been in the website design game for quite some time now, and trust me when I say that websites are like the virtual storefronts of the modern era. I’ve heard from a lot of business owners that websites are irrelevant now that social media is the beast it is. But, here’s why you absolutely need one.
First Impressions Matter
Imagine this: a potential customer hears about your business from a friend, and they’re intrigued. What’s the first thing they do? They hop on their phone or laptop and search for your website. A well-designed website gives you that “wow” factor right off the bat. It’s like dressing up your shop window with your best products, but for the digital world.
It’s also so important to stand out in your niche and a saturated market place. With so many businesses and so many options online, it’s important to make sure you’re doing something unique to stand out and a great website can really help you achieve that memorable experience people are looking for.
Credibility Boost
Chances are, you don’t go searching for a business on social media before you do on Google. I know I base how credible a business is by whether I can find a website for them, and if I’m considering buying from them, do they have an online presence beyond social media and even reviews on Google. Having a website gives your business.
Think about it – if you were looking for a new local restaurant or a service provider, wouldn’t you be a bit skeptical if you couldn’t find any information about them online? Having a professional website adds a layer of credibility to your business. It shows that you’re serious about what you do and that you’re here for the long haul.
Always Open for Busines
Remember the good ol’ days when shops used to close at a certain time? Well, with a website, your business is open 24/7, even when you’re catching up on sleep. Customers can check out your products or services, read up on your story, and even make purchases, all while you’re enjoying your evening cup of tea., on holiday, or in the land of nod.
Direct Customer Engagement
Your website is your playground for engaging with customers directly. You can have a blog where you share tips and tricks related to your industry, answer frequently asked questions, and even showcase customer testimonials. It’s like having a friendly chat with visitors, even when you’re not physically there.
Control Over Your Brand
Unlike social media platforms, where changes in algorithms can mess up your visibility, your website is your territory. You decide how it looks, what it says, and how visitors interact with it. It’s a chance to express your unique brand identity and create an experience that’s all about you. You own it and it’s your real estate to make it whatever you want!
SEO Superpowers
Ever heard of this thing called SEO? It stands for Search Engine Optimization, and having a website is like having a secret weapon for it. A well-optimized website can land you on the first page of search results when people are looking for businesses like yours. Imagine the flood of new customers that can bring in! And it does so organically without any spend on ads too!. Win, win!
Data, Data, Data
One of the coolest things about having a website is the treasure trove of data you get. You can see where your visitors are coming from, which pages they’re spending time on, and what products or services they’re interested in. This data is like a map guiding you towards making smarter business decisions.
The thought of looking at data and analytics might freak you out or equally, make you want to sleep. You may also think you simply don’t have the time for that, but website analytics are gold because they can tell you what’s working with your marketing efforts and what could be done better. So can you afford not to have them?
Show and Tell
Have an amazing product? A mind-blowing service? Your website is the perfect platform to showcase what you’ve got. High-quality images, detailed descriptions, and even videos can help potential customers truly understand the value you offer.
Offering your website visitors that exceptional experience and taking them on a journey, again, can really be the things that sets you apart from your competitors and this is something you simply cannot do on social media.
So, whether you’re selling artisanal bread and coffee, offering wedding planning or coaching services, or showcasing your artwork or photography, having a website is your ticket to the digital arena. It’s like having a slice of the internet that’s all yours, where you can connect, engage, and thrive.
Don’t be left behind – get that website up and running, and let your small business shine like the star it is in 2023. And beyond.
You can find out more about how I can help bring that website to life for you and how I help businesses like yours here.
