If you’re running a small business and are on the fence about whether to invest in a website, let me tell you—you’re standing on the edge of a goldmine! In today’s digital age, a website isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have.
Before you decide for yourself, here are 7 reasons why having a small business website is necessary if you're serious about maintaining and growing your business - no matter how big or small.
I promise by the end, you'll be itching to find a web designer ASAP.
- It Is Your Home Base For Marketing
- Attract New Employees
- Find New Customers Online
- Make Customers Happy
- Compete Online
- Build Trust & Credibility
- Increase Sales & Generate Leads
1. Your Home Base For Marketing
Think of your website as the headquarters for all of your marketing activities. Whether you’re running social media ads, sending out email newsletters, or even putting up flyers around town, everything should point back to your website. It’s where potential customers can get the full scoop on who you are, what you do, and why they should care. Your website acts like a one-stop shop where all your marketing efforts converge.
Imagine having a brick-and-mortar store but not having a sign out front. That’s what it’s like when you don’t have a website. People need a place to go to learn more about your products or services, check out your latest promotions, and contact you. Plus, with tools like Google Analytics, you can track how well your marketing campaigns are doing and adjust them accordingly.
Don't waste another penny on marketing until you have a nicely designed, user-friendly website that helps turn visitors into customers.
2. Attract Employees
Looking to grow your team? A website can help with that too. Potential employees are likely to check out your online presence before applying. A well-designed website can make your business look more professional and attractive to top talent. You can showcase your company culture, list job openings, and even include testimonials from current employees about why they love working for you.
In today’s competitive job market, you need every advantage you can get. A compelling website can be the difference between attracting mediocre candidates and attracting rock stars who will help take your business to the next level. Plus, if you have a careers page with a form, it saves you time by allowing candidates to apply directly through your site, streamlining the hiring process.
3. Find New Customers Online
Gone are the days when people just walk down Main Street and pop into stores. (Although it sounds fun!) Now, they’re Googling “best coffee shop near me” or “affordable wedding photographer in [your town].” If you don’t have a website, you’re missing out on a ton of potential customers who are searching for businesses like yours online.
In fact, 97% of customers start their search for retail or service businesses using the web. If you don't have a website, you're missing out on that 97%.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is your best friend here. By optimizing your website with relevant keywords, high-quality content, and local SEO strategies, you can rank higher in search engine results. This means more visibility and more foot traffic, both online and offline. And let’s not forget about mobile users—your website should be mobile-friendly to capture those on-the-go searches.
4. Make Customers Happy
Customer satisfaction is the name of the game, and a website can help you achieve that. You can include FAQs to answer common questions, add a chat bot, offer online booking for services, and even set up an e-commerce platform for those who prefer to shop from the comfort of their own home.
Don't want to sell online? No problem - we've worked with small businesses to create online catalogs that allow your customers to browse your products as if it is an ecommerce store, but without the 'add to cart' button. The bottom line is the easier you make it for customers to interact with your business, the happier they’ll be.
Consider adding a blog or a news section to keep customers informed about the latest updates, promotions, and events. Not only does this keep your audience engaged, but it also gives them a reason to keep coming back to your site. Plus, a happy customer is more likely to leave positive reviews, which can attract even more customers.
5. Compete Online
Even if you’re a small local business, you’re still competing with other businesses, both big and small. A website levels the playing field, allowing you to showcase what makes you unique. Maybe it’s your exceptional customer service, your locally-sourced products, or your commitment to quality, every time. Whatever it is, your website is the perfect platform to highlight your strengths.
Without a website, you’re essentially invisible to a large portion of your potential customer base. (That 97% we talked about earlier) And let’s be honest, if a customer has to choose between a business with a professional website and one without, they’re probably going to choose the one with the website. It’s all about building that initial trust and credibility, which brings us to our next point.
6. Build Trust & Credibility
A website helps you build trust and credibility with your audience. In 2024, people expect businesses to have an online presence. First impressions matter, and a professional-looking website can make a huge difference in how potential customers perceive your business. It shows that you’re legitimate, trustworthy, and invested in your brand.
Including customer testimonials, case studies, a portfolio, and reviews can further boost your credibility. People are more likely to trust the opinions of others, so showcasing positive feedback can go a long way. You can also include certifications, awards, and partnerships to further establish your expertise and reliability.
7. Increase Sales & Generate Leads
At the end of the day, your goal is to increase sales and generate leads, right? A website can help you do just that. With features like contact forms, lead magnets, and call-to-action buttons, you can capture the information of potential customers and follow up with them. Just having a contact page with updated contact information including your address, phone number, email, and business hours can lead people through your door.
Email marketing is another powerful tool that works hand-in-hand with your website. By collecting email addresses through your site, you can send out newsletters, promotions, and special offers to stay connected with your customers, keep them engaged, and drive sales.
Before You Go: A Quick Word on Word Of Mouth Marketing
As small business employees turned small business website designers, we've heard our fair share of "I don't need a website, I rely on word of mouth".
Well a website can be a game-changer for word of mouth marketing, especially for a small business. Think about it: when people love your products or services, they’re likely to talk about it with their friends and family. Having a website gives them a central place to point others to for more information, like your hours, location, and what you offer. Plus, its shareable nature means people can easily pass along a link in a text or social media post. This makes it super easy for happy customers to spread the word, helping your business reach a wider audience without you having to lift a finger.
Conclusion
So there you have it—seven compelling reasons why a website is crucial for your small local business. From serving as your home base for marketing to building trust and credibility, a website offers numerous benefits that can help you can significantly impact your bottom line and help you achieve your business goals. If you haven’t already, it’s time to take the plunge and invest in a professional website.
We hope you found this post helpful and inspiring. If you don't have a website, there's no reason to be ashamed! The best time to build a website was 20 years ago, the second best time is now. 🙂 So go out there and create an online presence that will take your business to new heights!
If you're ready for a new website, and a team dedicated to your success on & offline, check out The Real Website Package - our all-inclusive, custom web design package.
If you're not ready for a new website, and you'd rather go the DIY route and improve the site you've already got, sign up for our free local small business website audit for a thorough review of your site, along with a customized list of strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Questions & Answers
If you have questions, please reach out to us and we'd be happy to help. Or visit our Q&A page for more info.
Get a Free Website Audit
Wondering if you really need a new website? Are you looking to enhance your current website’s performance, user experience, and search engine ranking? Our free website audit is designed to provide you with a comprehensive analysis of your site’s strengths and areas for improvement.
