If you’re a small business proprietor or you’re just opening one, like numerous peopel, you may think there’s no advantage in having a website when you can do everything on social media. Right? Or maybe you think a professional website can be very expensive and so you get a freebie and do it yourself instead…well how long will that take!
Maybe you’re in the generation that didn’t grow up with computers, you don’t use a computer so you contemplate that your customers don’t use computers either. You argue if you are not tech savvy why bother with a website. However even if you are an established business that has relied on word of mouth and think you are doing quite well thank you, there are several reasons why your business needs a professional website too.
We are certain, even with all that you can do on social media, and even if you’ve been in business for several decades, unless you do not want to grow your business or you’re about to retire and travel the world, your business needs a website especially one that is professionally designed and developed, with no embarrassing hitches or for lack of a better word boring or copied from your competitor down the street.
1. YOUR BUSINESS WILL GAIN CREDIBILITY
More people search online for things they need or want, for solutions to their problems, prices comparison, or simply just to get some information about a store, restaurant or business before they purchase from them. Not having a website, will see your potential customers going to your competitors who do.
Having a website will not only provide the information they are searching for, but also i will give your business credibility. It subtle shouts, I am here, I mean business, and I am in it for the long haul.
2. SAVES YOU MONEY IN THE LONG TERM
As a business owner, it’s natural and prudent to ask the costs of getting a professional website. Can you afford it? But you really can’t afford NOT to. Though the cost of designing a website differs depending on your needs and your skill level, once it’s up and running, a professional website is worth the initial investment, especially if built using a reliable CMS platform, which enables you to add and change your own content regularly, saving you money in updates.
In comparison to the cost of old-style means of advertising, such as newspaper ads, radio commercials, promotional materials and even networking events, when you consider the potential market you can reach with a website, it is a very cost effective way to promote your business long term.
If we dare to compare the cost of a professional website with a freebie D.I.Y. website, unless you are fairly skilled, your website will cost you in time and effort that could be better spent elsewhere in your business. Not only that, but if it’s not professional, non-responsive and not liste on SEO such as a Google search, you will lose customers and that will also cost you dearly.
Saving money is absolutely a great reason why your business needs a professional website, but there are several more reasons.
3. INFORMED COUSTOMERS
Fancy a website as an online brochure or catalogue that can be updated at any time with just a click of a button or tap on some screes. It is much easier and quicker to update information about your products and services on your website than it is in a print brochure or catalogue.
A website is an active way of presenting your customers new services, products, announcing events and special promotions. Additional value by posting tips, resources and other information through a blog on your website. Contrasting with print ads, newspaper articles and flyers, which quickly become outdated, your website can provide current information and news.
4. A WEBSITE HAS NO CLOSED STICKER
Unlike fixed business premises location, which is only open a few hours a day, a website is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can provide both regular and prospective customers the convenience of reviewing your products and services when your store or office is physical closed.
With so many interactive features and add-ons available, visitors to your website can contact you, sign up for your services, schedule appointments and even purchase directly through your website whilst you’re away from your premises or after closing .
With today’s busy lifestyles, this is a great selling point when making a purchase decision.
5. TARGET A WIDER AUDIENCE
Websites are accessible from anywhere in the world provided there is an internet connection. Since more and more people have access to the internet, even in remote locations, you can target a much wider audience if your business has a website.
Whether you offer products or services, or you’re business or consumer based, your website provides you with an alternative location to sell. As a retailer, an eCommerce website is a great place to sell your products to a wider market. Think of all the people who can’t get to your bricks and mortar store that you could sell your products to.
Even service-based businesses can offer their services globally through a website. Now that we have so many affordable ways to communicate with people, we can do business with anyone, anywhere, any time. A website makes it so much easier to attract clients from a global market.
As entrepreneurs we have learnt that a closed sign on the shop does not mean customers and clients have stopped coming and the cash register is never silent…. They Are Now Online, over 3,200 000 000 Plus/Minus 1. Get your Business or Cause online… Learn from Us