Having a business website is a no-brainer if you sell products and services online. However, for the rest of small businesses, one of the most frequently asked questions is “My company has only two employees and our product cannot be sold online, do we really need a website?”.
The answer is, Yes! If nothing else matters, I can guarantee that your competitors are online. A website can add value to a business in many ways. I have compiled a list of top 10 reasons why you should consider having a website for your business.
Table of Contents
1. More than 80% of consumers conduct online research before buying
That is an enormous majority of consumers who browse online websites before making purchase decisions. This number is sobering, yet not surprising. A website can be nice place to refer potential consumers, from social media sites or search engines, to get further information about your business. It doesn’t have to be fancy; a simple website that provides information about your product or service may provide enough information for a potential consumer to keep your business in mind.
2. Your business will gain credibility
A well-designed website provides your business with credibility. Consumers today expect businesses to on the web, and research has shown that 46% of consumers judge the credibility of a business by how well its website is designed and styled.
3. Website provides visibility
Online visibility is important in today’s business because a majority of customer engagement occurs online. In 80’s and 90’s, only the big boys in business would afford visibility through TV ads and Magazine placements. Today there is a level playing field because any business, big or small can accomplish effective visibility using a website.
4. One of the cheapest forms of advertising media
Having a website is one of the most cost-effective marketing method when looking at cost per 1,000 impressions. The cost of running a website for a small business in Edmonton, may be around $100/month. Compare that with the cost of placing an ad on a newspaper, which runs for a short period of time. In the long run, a website provides more visibility per dollar compared to most of the other advertising media.
5. Sell, sell, sell!
I enjoy watching Dragons Den and Shark Tank, where business owners pitch their ideas to venture capitalists (‘Dragons’ and ‘Sharks) for capital. I have not failed to notice how a majority of pitchers on the shows respond to the question “How are you selling these right now?”. Inevitably, “online” comes out of almost every pitchers mouth. If you have a product of service to sell, you do not need to setup a brick-and-mortar store anymore. Set up a website instead and the sky is the limit.
6. Accessibility
A website is accessible 24/7. Therefore your customers will be able to access, at any time, information about your products, support information or any other resource. Your website becomes an invaluable resource for your customers that is accessible beyond business hours.
7. Target a wider market
With a website you are able to target and capture consumers beyond your geographical location. You can start selling your products and services to the rest of Canada from Comox, through a website.
8. Shape your brand
You do not have to be a multi-million dollar brand to develop a commanding presence online. A well-designed website provides the opportunity for small businesses to engage consumers and project the desired brand image of your business.
9. Get new consumers that you would have missed out on
Consumers searching for whatever you are selling will not be able to find you if you are not online. Traffic from search engines is highly coveted because it is from consumers who are motivated to buy. It sure is a missed opportunity, if they are not able to find you.
10. Customer service on auto-pilot
Starting with FAQs section, or may be a support page, you could implement customer service on a website to save time and effort. Customers may be able to find information that they would have phoned or emailed about easily on your website. The fact that your customer’s questions are addressed swiftly may bode well for your business.
