The year is 2021. We live in a society where you can get anything you want almost instantly.
Need a new phone? Order one online; it'll be with you the next day.
Looking for a new book? Order one online; you can have it by the afternoon.
Need to find information about a local charity? Find it online.
We are currently going through the biggest communication shift in 500 years. Since the printing press, this is the biggest change in the way people communicate, and it's only just starting!
If you're not already ahead of the change, here are 8 reasons why you need a website:
Your customers expect it
Websites are convenient for your customer. It should provide all of the information they need to know about your business. From what your business is about, who you are, contact information, just to name a few.
If you don't have a website, where are they going to find this information? Are they going to have to scroll all the way to your first Instagram post? Do they have to visit your store?
Not having a website means it's harder for your customer to interact with you and your business.
You want to make your customers journey as easy as possible. The easiest way of providing this information is through having a website.
You control the narrative
Social media is great for advertising your business, but you're at the mercy of the algorithm.
Having a strong following is great for credibility, but if that's the only way your customers can find you, you lack control.
With a website, you get to control the narrative. (And it doesn't mean everything will be biased).
Building trust is one of the most important aspects of creating a website.
There are many different ways of building trust, but using social proof and testimonials are a great place to start.
If you're looking to create trust with your customers and need assistance with your site, we'll help you on your journey. Let's Make It Happen
Your competitors have websites
Imagine running a coffee shop. If people search for local coffee shops your competitors are going to appear.
If you don't have a website, you're likely not to appear.
Not having a website is literally costing you clients, simply because they don't know you exist.
Imagine 2 businesses. Business A and B.
Business A owns a coffee shop on a busy high street. They look inviting and are loved by many locals. They often have people who have never visited pop in for a quick drink.
Business B owns a coffee shop down an alley a couple of streets away from the high street. The sort of customers that visit are those that have heard about it from their friends.
Out of A and B, which is likely to have more people visit it, therefore increasing the chances of making more loyal, repeat customers?
This is the difference between having a website or not. Business A is like having a website; business B is like not having a website.
Do you want to be business A or B?
Never be 'Closed For Business' again
Your website is a 24/7 representation of who you are. While you're sleeping it's still working. A website is the best employee you will ever have.
'Noah, did you just say employee?'
Yes!
Websites often become forgotten assets, especially for startups and small businesses. Whilst they don't come with the same paperwork etc. that an employee comes with, they should still be treated as an employee.
Just like an employee, your website needs training. What they don't need is time off, sick pay or sleep.
Your site will always be working. No need to have people phone you between 9-5 when they can submit a contact via your website any time of the night or day. You can even sell products whenever.
Your business will never be closed again!
Show in Google search results
When people Google for your industry, are you going to appear?
How often have you gone past the first page of Google? Did you even know Google showed more than one page of results?
I can count on one hand the number of times I've looked past page 1.
If you're not ranking on the first page, you're not going to be found.
A website increases your chances of ranking highly, especially if it's been built by a professional to optimise it for rankings.
Showcase your products & services
If you have a brick and mortar store or run your business through social media, then a website will provide another revenue stream.
Your products can be showcased and bought online, meaning people don't have to be in your store or contact you to purchase them. They can buy at their own convenience.
Adds credibility
Having a website makes you seem more reliable. While many businesses, especially startups, run their businesses through social media, nothing validates your business as credible as a website.
People associate websites with legitimacy. If you want to seem like a professional and reliable business, you need to have a website.
Whilst both a social media account and a website can be set up by anyone, a well-created website takes more effort. Having a website makes you look more serious about what you do, rather than a fleeting idea.
An inexpensive marketing tool
Running traditional marketing, such as print and TV, can quickly become expensive. When someone mentions a website, our natural reaction is to think they have a massive cost attached to them. The reason for this is because they play such a large role in your business. But for the cost of 3 Starbucks or a small takeaway a month, you can get your business a website.
In addition to actually having a website, you can save time. No more spending lengthy amounts of time turning quotes into invoices or sending an email to notify someone they've been approved as a member of your site.
Automate your workflows and save time.
So, if your business doesn't have a website, nows the opportunity to get one.
Get ahead of the curve and join the biggest communication shift in 500 years.
Looking for your own site? Need an expert to help? Get in touch and we'll help you on your journey.
Noah Lovell
Noah Lovell - Web Designer
