There are so many things to think about when running a business—from marketing and sales to operations and finance. But one of the most important things you can do for your business is to make sure you have a professional website (check out our guide on small business website design here).
Having an online presence for your business is more important than ever these days with the vast majority of people using the internet to find products and services they need.
There are countless reasons every business owner should have a website, but in this blog, we will go over the importance of a website for businesses of all sizes, as well as provide you with tips and additional resources for getting started.
10 Reasons You Need a Business Website
While there are many reasons to have an online presence for your business, these are some of the most important ones that we’ve seen time and time again from our clients and research.
1. A website is your online business card
First and foremost, a website is your online business card that is available 24/7. When someone visits your website, they can learn all about your business quickly and easily. They can see your products or services, read about your company history, and find out how to contact you. A website is a perfect place to showcase your business to potential customers.
2. A website allows customers to learn about a business and its products or services
A website is the perfect place to provide customers with information about your business and what you have to offer. Customers can browse your website at their leisure to learn about your products or services without feeling pressured to buy anything. This is especially important for product-based businesses as potential customers will want to know everything they can about a product before making a purchase.
3. A website can expand your business’s reach
A website can help you reach new customers. If you’re not doing any online marketing, then you’re missing out on a huge chunk of potential customers. With a website, you can reach people all over the world who are searching for your products or services.
Search Engine Optimization
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving the visibility of a website or a web page in search engines via the “natural” or un-paid (“organic”) search results.
If your website is optimized for search engines, then your business will show up for customers searching for your product or service online, which can help you reach new customers that you wouldn’t have otherwise.
Local SEO can also help you reach local customers who are searching for businesses like yours in their area.
SEO for a new website can be challenging, but with the right tools and strategies, you will generate a lot more traffic – and ultimately, conversions – for your website.
4. A website can generate leads and sales
A business website can be a great tool for generating leads and sales. With a website (especially a website primed for lead generation), you can capture leads through contact forms or lead magnets and then follow up with those leads to turn them into customers.
If you’re doing any online marketing, you can include links to your website in your ads or social media posts to direct traffic from these external platforms directly to your site.
5. E-commerce opportunity
You can also sell products or services directly from your website with an eCommerce store. Online stores make it easy for customers to browse and buy products without ever having to step foot in a brick-and-mortar business.
A website gives customers a convenient way to buy from you. With a secure eCommerce system, customers can buy products and services from your website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that they can buy from you anytime and anywhere they have an internet connection.
Some popular eCommerce platforms include Shopify, BigCommerce, and Magento. All of these platforms make it easy for businesses to set up an online store and start selling products and services online. They provide a range of features and tools to make it easy for businesses to create a website that looks great and is easy to use.
6. Track your marketing efforts
A website can help you track your marketing efforts. By using web analytics software like Google Analytics, you can track how many people are visiting your website, where they’re coming from (i.e., which search engines or websites), what pages they’re looking at, why your website is losing traffic, and more.
This information can help you make decisions about your digital marketing strategy, such as which marketing methods are working best for you and which ones need improvement.
Unsure which marketing initiatives to try in 2024? Check out our blog!
7. A website makes it easy for customers to contact a business
A website makes it easy for customers to get in touch with you. Customers can easily find your contact information on your website, whether it’s an email address, phone number, or mailing address. This makes it easy for them to get in touch with you if they have any questions or concerns about your products or services.
8. Build trust
A website can help build trust with prospective customers by providing them with information about your business and its products or services. Customers can learn about your company history, read product reviews, and see photos or videos of your products in action. This helps customers feel confident that they are doing business with a reputable company.
A website can also help build trust through its design and layout. A well-designed website will look professional and trustworthy, while a poorly designed website will look amateurish and unprofessional. Having a website that is easy to navigate will also help build trust with customers. They will be able to find the information they are looking for quickly and easily without getting lost on your website.
9. Maintain relationships
A website is a great way to keep in touch with your existing customers. You can post updates about your business, new products or services, and special promotions. You can also provide customer support through your website. This will help you maintain good relationships with your customers and keep them coming back for more.
Having satisfied, loyal customers is essential for any business. They are your best source of repeat business and referrals. By keeping them happy, you can ensure that your business will continue to grow.
10. Establish a brand
Establishing a brand is important because it allows customers to identify your business and its products or services. When customers know what your brand represents, they are more likely to do business with you. A strong brand also helps you stand out from the competition. By creating a distinct identity for your business, you can set yourself apart and attract new customers.
A study done by PRNewswire showed that 76% of consumers look at online presence before physically visiting a business and another study by Saleslion showed that 81% of shoppers research their product online before making a purchase.
A website allows you to create a distinct identity for your business and helps customers identify your products or services. You can use your website to showcase your company’s strengths and highlight what makes you different from the competition. This will help you attract new customers and build a strong brand identity.
Do small businesses really need a website?
You may have read through our list of reasons you need a business website and thought to yourself, “I’m a small business. Do I really need all of this?” The answer is YES! A website is essential for any business, big or small.
Of course, many small businesses can get by with word-of-mouth marketing, but in today’s digital world, not having a website is a huge missed opportunity. Most qualified customers expect businesses to have a strong online presence, and not having a website could make you appear out of touch or unprofessional.
A website is a low-cost way to reach a larger audience. It’s also a great way to build trust with target customers and maintain relationships with existing ones.
Importance of a Website: Conclusion
In summary, a website is essential for businesses of all sizes. It’s a great way to showcase your products or services, build trust with potential customers, reach new markets, and track your marketing efforts. If you don’t have a website, then you’re missing out on a lot of potential business. If you need help finding a web design company to build a website for you, check out our guide on how to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process of creating a website?
The process of web design involves a few steps:
• Register a domain name (this is your website’s address on the internet).
• Find a web hosting company (this is where your website’s files will be stored).
• Design your website (you can either do this yourself or hire a professional web
designer).
• Publish your website (this will make it live on the internet).
• Promote your website (this will help people find your website).
How much does it cost to create a website?
The cost of creating a website depends on a few factors, such as whether you design it yourself or hire a professional, the cost of hosting, and the cost of a domain name. In general, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to create a website. If you’re not sure where to start with website domains, check out our guide on the difference between .com, .org, and .net.
If you already have a website and looking to redesign it, check out our blog on the cost of redesigning a website.
How long does it take to create a website?
It usually takes a few weeks to create a website, depending on the complexity of the design and the amount of content you include. If you’re hiring a professional web designer, they will likely need a few weeks to complete the design and coding. If you’re doing it yourself, it will take longer to create the website but you’ll have more control over the final product.
Can anyone create a website?
Yes, anyone can create a website. You don’t need to be a tech expert or hire a professional web designer to create a website. There are many easy-to-use website builders that allow you to create a website in just a few hours, such as Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace.
What are the different types of websites?
There are many different types of websites, but some of the most common include:
Business websites: These websites are used by businesses to promote their products or services. They often include an About page, a Contact page, and a blog.
Ecommerce websites: These websites allow businesses to sell their products online. They typically include an online store, a shopping cart, and a payment gateway.
Portfolio websites: These websites are used by artists, designers, and photographers to showcase their work. They often include an About page and a Contact page.
Blogs: These websites are used to share information and opinions on various topics. They typically include a blog, an RSS feed, and social media buttons.
Forums: These websites are used to allow people to discuss various topics. They often include a forum, a blog, and an FAQ section.
