You might be wondering, “Do I really need a website for my small business, or can I just keep doing what I’ve been doing?” Well, here’s the thing—no matter what industry you’re in, the market is super competitive, and with everything going digital at lightning speed, you just can’t afford to sit on the sidelines.
It’s second nature for people to hop online and do a bit of research before buying something or trying out a new service. New York Times bestselling author Neil Patel, one of the top influencers on the web, explains this “hybrid consumer” phenomenon: People don’t even separate online from offline anymore. Maybe they spot an item in a store, but they’ll head online to dig a little deeper before they make a final decision. Or maybe they start online, hit ‘buy,’ and pick up in-store. The lines are blurred, but the need for a website isn’t!
Your potential customers crave easy access, and websites have become the gateway to success for small businesses. If you’re still unsure, let’s dive into the top 6 reasons why your small business needs a website.
It’s All About Credibility!
A website gives off serious “I’m a professional” vibes. In today’s world, having an online presence is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s essential. People trust businesses that have websites because it shows you’re serious.
A study by Verisign reveals that 66% of people think a business with a website is more credible than one without. That’s a huge deal! Plus, if you’re relying solely on social media, you’re missing a big opportunity to share more info about your products or services. Most social media users expect to hop from your profile straight to your website for those all-important details.
Get Your Brand Out There!
Connecting with your audience is make-or-break for any small business, and a website makes it so much easier. Think of your website as the heart of your online presence—it’s where you can control how your business is presented to the world.
Your website is like the ultimate “brand ambassador.” A Stanford University study even found that 75% of users judge a company’s credibility based on their website design—no pressure! But it’s true: your website isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s about telling your brand’s story. It’s your chance to showcase what you stand for, your values, and, of course, your amazing products or services—all in one neat, 24/7 marketing package.
Attract New Customers (And a Lot of Them!)
If you don’t have a website, guess what? You’re invisible in all those crucial online searches. Getting your website to rank in search engines is key to attracting new customers. And once you’re on the radar, your business is out there working for you, even while you’re binge-watching your favorite series.
Let’s break it down: there are over 4.5 billion internet users worldwide, with 5.6 billion Google searches happening every single day. If your business doesn’t have a website, you’re missing out on all those eyeballs. And while launching a website is just step one, smart SEO (Search Engine Optimisation – don’t worry, we’re going to write a blog about that!) strategies can help you climb those search results. Consistent, fresh content and well-chosen keywords will make sure you get your slice of the Google pie.
Create a Superior Customer Experience
The internet never sleeps, and neither does your website. That’s the beauty of it—your customers can find you anytime, anywhere. And one of the things people love about a website? They get to browse for information at their own pace, on their own time.
FAQs are a lifesaver here. By answering common questions upfront, you’re saving both yourself and your customers time. Win-win, right? And don’t forget, your website should be more than just a digital storefront—it should offer value through engaging content, positioning you as the go-to expert in your field.
The numbers don’t lie: 88% of online consumers are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience, and 57% of internet users won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed website on mobile. Bottom line? A user-friendly, well-designed website is non-negotiable.
Get to Know Your Customers Better
Gone are the days of sending out endless surveys hoping someone will respond (we’ve all been there). With a website, you can gain valuable insights about your customers without lifting a finger, thanks to analytic tools like Google Analytics.
Want to know who’s visiting your site, how they found you, or what they’re most interested in? Analytics can tell you all that and more. It’s like having a backstage pass to your customers’ behaviors and preferences—data you can use to tailor your business strategy and stay ahead of the game.
The Advantages Over Social Media
Social media is great for engaging with your audience, but let’s be real—you don’t own those platforms. They do. And they’re in the business of growing their platform, not necessarily yours. With a website, however, you own 100% of your content and data. You’re in complete control.
Plus, social media platforms are designed to keep users scrolling and clicking on everything but your business. But on your website, you’ve got their full attention. It’s your space to shine and showcase your products or services without competing for attention.
In Conclusion
Not having a website isn’t just a missed opportunity anymore—it’s a huge risk. As your competitors continue to build their online presence, attract new customers, and grow their businesses, you might find yourself falling behind.
A well-designed, optimized website isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s the key to leveling the playing field with businesses of any size, anywhere in the world. So, what are you waiting for? Can you really afford to stay invisible?
At SkillsLab, I am passionate about helping small businesses. Our online shop features the latest courses, ebooks, and toolkits designed specifically for small business owners looking to grow. Plus, don’t miss out on our latest 5-day challenge—it’s the perfect way to kickstart your digital journey and gain actionable insights. Let us help you take your business to new heights!