Have you googled something today? More than likely you have. And while this next question may seem impractical, it is definitely worth asking. Have you been on the internet today?
What's the point? The internet, and search engines like Google are absolutely imperative in today's technological age. We realize how important it is to get things done and find the things we need. How do we do it? Websites.
However, what about your business? Is it on the internet? Or a better more specific question is, do you have a website? If you answered no to any of those questions, let us explain the relevance of your business needing a website.
Twenty Four Hour Employee
Imagine having an employee that gathers you new business, they answer most customers' questions, they showcase your business, they even make appointments for you and so much more. While doing all those things, they work for you around the clock. Twenty four hours a day, 7 days a week.
Realistically, to hire someone to do all those tasks for you, at an hourly rate could become very costly, and unreasonable. However, with a well built website, it would be like having that employee.
Websites have a variety of functions that can be tailored to the specific needs. If you're a restauranter, maybe you'd like to venture into online orders? Are you a barber shop or beauty salon that would like to take automated consultations? The options can be endless, and it can be done for you.
Credibility
Websites are built and meant to drive you business. But even beyond that, it gives your business credibility. How? It introduces you to your potential customers. Customers can get a glimpse into what type of business you are, and even a little bit about you. They can see how serious you are about what services you provide, how knowledgeable you are in your field, and even if they can contact you.
There's also a certain authority about having a website. Social media pages are fantastic for growing a population and keeping your community informed. However, websites coupled with a social media page, can make for a dynamic duo. But with out a website, and just a social media page, you not only close yourself off from those who don't use social media, but you can lose credibility.
More than a social media page
As was discussed in previous paragraphs, social media is a powerful tool for marketing your business. Many people, called influencers, have built their own brands using social media as a platform and have been able to do well for themselves as a result. However, if you're not an influencer and you rely only on a social media platform for your business you could be missing out.
For example, there are times when social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram are shut down for hours at a time. If this is your only online presence, much can be loss. Also, some don't always use social media to research local businesses. Search engines such as google, are often used to locate such establishments. These search engines are built to use tags on websites to help potential clients or customers to find the business they need. Facebook and Instagram aren't there yet.
Portfolio
Your website can be your business portfolio. It's as simple as that. Previous clients and customers can leave testimonials on your website, proving that you are the business for the job. You can also show case your work, your product or service. With this 24 hour employee, your customers will not have to go to your place of business to see what you offer, when your doors are open. Instead, they can browse your website at any time of day, and even have some of their questions answered for them using your website as a portfolio.
Professionalism
One of the biggest compliments a business can have is that they are professional. Websites add to the professionalism of a business.
Clicks
Really, who of us, before deciding as to whether or not we want to give a business, our business, doesn't look at their website beforehand? It's said that about 81% of shoppers research a business online first. What are they doing? Looking at the establishment's website. An even more staggering figure is that 99% of consumers are using the internet to find businesses in their area. If you don't have a website, you can't and won't benefit from these figures. You are 100% missing out on new customers.
Recap
Websites and businesses are really synonymous. While it is possible to have a business without a website, in the age of technology, having one is very valuable.
If you are interested in having a webstie built for your business, please contact us for a website consultation, and we will get you on your way.
References:
https://www.zippia.com/advice/small-business-website-statistics/