Why do some business owners decide against having a website?
Most of the time, it is a lack of understanding as to how and why it is critical to running a business. You may reckon it is too expensive, not needed or that you are not tech savvy.
I hope to bring some clarity in this article.
Do I need a website if I have a Facebook page and use other social media platforms?
With the advancement of technology, smartphones and wireless internet, more people search for a business online now with the pandemic than they ever have before. If you do not have a website, chances are you’ll be overlooked by potential customers and miss out on the income opportunity.
While Facebook and other social media platforms are beneficial and a necessary tool to advertise and market your small businesses, it is highly advisable to have a website on its own. The main reason being that a website would belong to you, whereas Facebook and the other social media platforms belong to them. Should they be hacked and shut down or even close down right now, you would have nothing to fall back on and there would be no proof of your online presence and your customers would not be able to find you when they Google for your type of service or product.
Should Facebook or of the other social media platforms close, would your customers be able to find you online?
So, is having a website built, really too expensive?
Points to ponder on:
- Most small businesses do not need a super fancy website with an excessive number of features.
- Take into consideration what you would spend on marketing your business using conventional methods.
- Once the website is up and running, the potential to reach your customers as well as for your business to show up on a Google search is 24/7 every day of the year.
- If budget is a large constraint, keep the functionality simple.
With this information you can hire a reputable web designer unless you have the time and skill to build and maintain your website. The designer will take into consideration your budget and website requirements and advise and help you accordingly, like I do at AH Design.
A website will make a new business look established and ready to trade
A new business will look and perform like a more established one with a well-designed and well-developed website.
When your site appears near the top of the search results page, because your copy and images stand out and your layout and navigation is engaging, you will know that your website is up to the standards and ready to compete with larger and older sites in your niche.
Having a website is important for marketing
Your website is particularly important as it is your online home and the place that serves as the base of operations for all your online marketing.
There are many ways to implement online digital marketing. Free options like putting out content onto social media such as Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn and Instagram or by using paid ad campaigns. The key being to always direct potential customers to your website where all your business information including services and products will be.
A big mistake many small businesses make is that they have some form of social media but no website. While social media does provide some access to the online world, it can come across as unprofessional when a potential customer searches for you using a search engine.
Your website can be utilised to gather customer and visitor email addresses. When you have upcoming deals, you can email a newsletter or promotion using your business email address associated with your website address.
Market your business using the avenues available within your budget, but your website should be the foundation to build those on, together it will help build your brand.
In conclusion
There are many other reasons not mentioned as to why a business should have a website.
The reality is, you don’t need to be tech savvy; you can hire a professional to create and develop a website for your business, within budget; a website will showcase and market your business and it will be found on a Google search; in the times we are living in, not having a website is costing you time and money.
As an experienced Corporate Brand Specialist, I can help you create, develop, promote, and market your brand story.