On a recent survey of Clutch’s 2018 Small Business Survey, there are 64% of small business owners that have their website set up. You might think that’s a large number but there’s still 36% of small business owners who still don’t have a website. That’s more than one-third of the total and that’s a pity. Are you one of those inside the one-third? We’ll show you why should move up to the majority.
1) It will make you legit
Come to think of it, if you are to do business with a company and they don’t have a website, would you be fully confident with them? Customers these days like to get as much information as they can about businesses before making a decision to patronize them. We live in the internet age where everything is easily searchable. And without a website, your business is shrouded with a dark cloud of uncertainty.
2) People won’t know about you even if they search about you
If potential clients search on search engines for your business and you don’t have a website, then there is a high possibility that they won’t find you. Imagine a potential client searches about your business niche and you’re not there on the search results but your competitor has one – then you already lost one client. And that one client will increase, you’ll just realize that you’re already out of the competition.
3) Your email marketing will not be effective
When you do email marketing, almost half of the people receiving it will visit your business’s website as a result. But what if you don’t have a website? You might put up a link on your social media page but in reality, social media is just another marketing space, it can’t be a home for your business. It is way better to invest in something you own than to build on land that doesn’t belong to you. That’s why you need to build your own website.
4) Social media networks are unpredictable
If you set up shop solely on one or more social platforms, your business is ultimately at the mercy of those platforms. They can make changes whenever they want and you don’t have a voice, even if it impacts your business. If that platform gets acquired and changed or shut down, you may no longer be able to reach your customers.
A great example of this is when many business pages were recently hurt when Facebook updated it’s algorithm, decreasing the reach of business pages. There was nothing business’s could do except complain. At the end of the day, they had to accept the new rules and move forward or move on. If you build your marketing presence on a website that you control, rather than on someone else’s turf, your investment of time, energy and money is much more secure.
5) It’s very easy to set up a website!
You only need to start a basic informational website for your small business. A Homepage, About Us page, and a Contact Us page would definitely suffice the needs for your prospective clients. You can even put everything in the homepage and make your website a single-page website – that is definitely possible!
It’s also inexpensive to build a website. All you have to do is visit one of the many one-stop services that offer web hosting, web design and/or DIY website templates which you can use to create your own website. If you need help planning your business website and using it effectively you can contact DigitalMaestro – we are the best! We are proven, tested, and have will have a friendly conversation with you! Schedule a Website Audit today!
In today’s age, if a seeker finds there’s no website, they move on to one that does. (And, consider your business either dead or gone.)
I cannot remember when I did business with a company that did not have a website. And, this includes small businesses as well.
Your first and second point are so true for me – as a consumer, I always use my phone to research a company before I buy. If they don’t have a website, then I keep on searching. The website doesn’t need to be elaborate – just mobile friendly and have an “about” page. Buying from a real person is also important to me 🙂
You are not alone with those thoughts, Lori! Many people feel the same way, so having a presence is important today!
Yes, very important to have even a basic website from a business owner stand point. In the world of scam and spam, it helps to validate the business, somewhat.
Lori’s comment echos that sentiment.
Stake your claim for your business out on the web!
So as I start another business venture at almost 70 years old, I’m thinking about starting another website also. Great pointers Paul!
A new business needs to have a new website!
I’m thinking of my brother. He has a new rustic furniture business. He makes a lot of sales via Facebook and Facebook Marketplace. But I’ve been trying to convince him to start a website. In the past, they haven’t served him well (the website designer convinced him to include the sound of a chainsaw revving up, which irritated the heck out of most of the patrons!). He’s only been in the rustic furniture business for about five years and he has only had his new shop for a month. Hopefully, I’ll convince him to choose a simple one…
Thanks!
Amy
That would annoy me too! Actually, most people find it invasive when a video (or audio) starts up with sound automatically!
Great tips. Businesses definitely need blogs.
Yes they do, Richard!