8 Reasons Your Business Needs a Website
Over 80% of consumers use search engines to find local products & services information, so you need a website.
Whether a customer makes a purchase or not, is dependent on the experience they have when interacting with your website. If you spoke to a rude salesperson or couldn’t find the items you wanted to buy in a store, then it is less likely that you would make a purchase there, right?
The same can be said when the customer is visiting your site on the Internet. When they visit your site, they are making a judgment about your business based on their experience.
Here are eight reasons that highlight why your company NEEDS a professional website, no matter what size your business may be.
1. Your Business Will Gain Credibility and Confidence With Your Customers
Today, more and more consumers use the Internet to search for the products or services they need. Your company will gain credibility with your customers by having a website. Without one, potential customers will go to your competitors that do. 81% of shoppers conduct online research before they make a purchase. 60% begin by using a search engine to find the products they want, and 61% will read product reviews before making any purchase. On average, a consumer will visit three stores before making their purchase.
For home-based businesses, this is particularly beneficial since you do not have a store front to promote your products or services.
2. A Website Saves You Money
Some small business owners think they can’t afford a professionally designed website, but the truth is you can’t afford NOT to have one. Although the cost of developing a company site varies, once it’s up and running, a website is very affordable, especially when compared to the expense of a newspaper advertisement. Considering the potential market you can reach with a business site, it is a very cost-effective way to not only promote your business but also to drive sales as well.
3. Websites Keep Your Customers Informed
86% of consumers stated that using a search engine allowed them to learn something new or significant that helped them to make an informed decision about purchasing a product. Think of your website as being your online brochure or catalog. It is much easier and quicker to update information about your products and services on your site than in print material, making it an effective way of letting your customers know about the arrival of new products, upcoming events, special promotions, or any new services you now offer. Another benefit of having a professional site is customer interaction, interacting with customers provides invaluable feedback on your products and services, it also allows you to quickly follow up with any customer concerns or questions.
4. Your Website is Always Open
Your website is always available to both your regular and potential customers 24/7, 365 days, providing them with the convenience of reviewing your products and services when your store or office is closed. With the average of 12 billion searches conducted per month, having a company site ensures your business will have continuous exposure to customers anytime, anywhere. Having a site is the equivalent of having an employee working around the clock – even weekends and holidays! With today’s busy lifestyles, this is a great selling point when making a purchase decision.
5. Your Website Makes it Easier to Target a Broader Market
Do You Know 247 Million People? That is the number of Americans that regularly use the Internet. Worldwide Internet usage is pushing two billion. Whether you provide products or services, your website will provide an alternative location to sell them. As a retailer, a website (eCommerce) is a great place to sell your products to a wider range of clientele and an excellent way to grow your brand’s international recognition. Websites are not Just local, they are Global Most small businesses are only able to market to their town and surrounding communities. With a website, you can take your goods and services across America and around the world, if you so choose.
6. Your Competition Has a Website
If you are in direct competition with another business that has a website, they have a distinct advantage – especially if they are adequately marketing their website. A website is an excellent way to level the playing field. No matter what type of business you’re in, a website is a great place to showcase your work. By including a portfolio or image gallery, as well as testimonials about your business, you can demonstrate what makes you unique.
7. A Website Saves Time
Providing information to your customers takes time, whether it’s on the phone, face-to-face, in a brochure, or in emails. With an online catalogue, you can provide lots of information about your products and services. Once your website is up and running, it is available to your customers indefinitely, saving you time. And after all, Time is money!
8. Small Business Websites Have Higher Revenue
According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses that have websites are averaging $1.07 million more per year in sales than small businesses not online. That equates to 39% higher revenue
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