In modern society, a website is the best way to reach customers and increase visibility in the global and local markets. It is one of the best marketing tools available to everyone, anywhere, and anytime.
Having an online presence can add real value and opportunity to any business, big or small.
If you are reading this, you might be owning a business without a website or application. The most common reasons why business owners do not have a website are "I don't understand technology", "it's too expensive," or, "I don't think I need one."
But you do need one; your business needs one - below are four reasons why.
We live in a society where 4.48 billion people are active on the internet and spend an average of 23.6 hours a week online. Studies show that most people also spend up to 4 hours on their phones and tablets every single day.
Compare these numbers to the 169 million people who still sit around and read traditional newspapers. A website is the best way to promote your business. It's not as expensive or complicated as you think.
We will cover the reasons why your business needs a website no matter what business or industry you are in.
1. Credibility
Due to the massive influence of the internet, the majority of consumers expect businesses to have a website. Websites add transparency, confidence, and credibility to any business.
The lack of an online presence is often deemed unreliable and untrustworthy. According to surveys, 80% of consumers make online searches for local businesses before going and 87% of consumers make online searches before purchasing products online and in-store.
A business's website is the first point of contact between a consumer to business. It is the best time to make a good first impression, establish trust, and provide a good overall image of the business.
Information also goes hand in hand with credibility. The more information consumers have on your business, the more likely they will trust it.
2. Availability
The information provided on the website can be basic like hours of operation, contact info, services provided, and pricing. Or it can contain more detailed information about your business like customer testimonies and reviews, past work portfolios and upcoming projects.
Picture this: It's your 4th time calling your favorite restaurant trying to make a reservation for a date, but no one answers because it's rush hour. You decide to call back later, but you waited too long and the restaurant is now closed.
You now need to wait until tomorrow to call again. Does this scenario sound familiar? Imagine never having to go through that again. Learning about your business, booking appointments, and getting customer service support should not be limited to a business's hours of operation.
At this day and age, consumers are spoiled, and they do not want to be waiting on the line nor do they appreciate being put on hold constantly. Your business website, unlike the business itself, does not have limited working hours or holidays.
It is accessible to your consumers all day, every day. Consumers no longer need to wait to book appointments and have their questions answered. They can simply make appointments online and contact you through your site with questions and feedback.
3. Expand your audience
Major News and updates regarding the business can also be published as public announcements for everyone. This is by far the most convenient form of communication between businesses and consumers; both existing and potential.
Having a good business website means having a strong global presence. Your business's physical location can only be seen by consumers living or traveling in that area.
If you are lucky, your store's location can be located in a tourist area or a busy part of town. If you don't have a prime location for your business, then foot traffic significantly reduces for your street and your business.
It is hard for a business to survive only serving local repeating clienteles. Attracting new consumers is the best way for a business to grow. It is almost impossible to target consumers in different cities let alone other countries without an online campaign.
Local classified ads and posters are unable to reach consumers in different parts of the world. A website is not limited to specific locations, and it can be seen and explored by people all over the world.
Since 2013, around 70% of consumers prefer to do their retail shopping online. According to these statistics commissioned by United Parcel Services Inc. (a.k.a UPS), this means retailers without a website are potentially missing out on 70% of their sales.
4. Cost-effective
There are many factors to a successful web campaign- from social media marketing to Search Engine Optimization, but it all starts with a website.
Many people might be shocked to hear that having a website can save you money. Business owners without a website often list "too expensive" as one of their main reasons for not having a website.
They often think it is another added expense to their list after rent and bills. A website is not an expense. It is an investment. Websites can range from basic to advance (to learn more about different types of websites click here).
We personally believe your business website is your best marketing tool.
According to Forbes, 80% of all businesses fail before their first 18 months of operations. Bad marketing is one of the main reasons. Without proper marketing, products cannot reach their targeted consumers.
Having an online presence is the best way to target the clientele you want for your business. With a business website, you can buy online ads to target specific consumers based on market research.
What does it mean? In simple terms, traditional ways of advertising include buying billboards or newspaper headlines for everyone to see. But less than 20% of people who come across these ads convert into paying clients. This means over 80% of the resources spent are wasted.
For online marketing, you can buy ads that only target the clientele that is interested in your product or service category and therefore raise the conversion rate. For example, if you own a pet shop, would u want to do mass advertising to everyone, or targets your ads to people who own pets?
In the long run, a website can save you and your business money in terms of marketing and resources.
It is convenient for both you as a business owner and the consumers. It is also cost-effective in terms of marketing with the widest range of reach to target consumers all over the world.
Businesses that understand the power of the internet and use websites and applications have replaced offline businesses. To stay ahead in the market, one must understand the importance of an online presence.
