Smart phones, tablets, watches, computers. It’s no secret that technology rules our lives. And increasingly, consumers make purchasing decisions based on information found using that technology – that is, customers use information found online to decide what to buy and when to buy it. So, why does a business need a website? In 2021, it’s assumed that most businesses have one. It’s that simple.
Why Does a Business Need a Website?
That said, if you’re still on the fence, here are answers to some common questions about the need for an online presence in today’s market.
Question: Why do you need a website if you’re not looking to grow your business?
Answer: Because websites provide 24/7 customer service, allowing you to take some time off to enjoy what you’ve worked so hard for.
A website designed with user experience in mind creates opportunities to serve your customer on their terms, allowing your business to function effectively even if you’re not tied to your computer or storefront.
This means you can connect with potential customers while you’re catching some Z’s, answer user questions while on vacation, or make a sale while watching your kid score the winning soccer goal- all because your customers are utilizing your website.
And the benefits aren’t just about allowing you a little bit of freedom. Customers appreciate easy access to the information for which they are searching. And the more you give them what they want, the more likely they are to return.
Question: What does a website do for a business that’s undergoing change?
Answer: Change often comes with a rebrand, and websites make brand building easy.
The internet makes it very easy for consumers to learn about and connect with brands. We’re not talking about connection on a transactional level. A brand is so much more than a logo and a tagline. Today’s customers want to connect with a company’s mission and values on an emotional level.
When creating a website, brand image should always be a primary consideration. In-depth About pages, excellent product descriptions, a blog that’s consistently updated with relevant content – all of these allow the customer to connect with a business. Over time, this creates brand loyalty, and leads to repeat customers and word of mouth referrals.
Question: I’m always busy hustling for the next sale. Why should I have a website for my business?
Answer: Websites are amazing lead generation tools.
Regardless of whether they’re buying a $4 lipstick or $400,000 boat, today’s customer almost always conducts research online before making a buying decision. And of course, that research usually starts with a good ol’ Google search.
A website that is optimized for search engines and receives a healthy amount of organic traffic is perhaps the most important lead generation tool in your arsenal. When consumers search for a product or service like the ones you offer, you want to show up in their search results, right? And you certainly can’t do that if you don’t have a website.
To learn more about optimizing your website for search engine rankings, check out these SEO basics.
Question: Why do small businesses need a website when they’re just getting started?
Answer: You have to get your name out there in order to be successful, and websites are more affordable than traditional marketing.
Years ago, the only ways to reach customers were referrals or traditional advertisement methods. If you wanted to spread the word about your new product or recently launched business, you probably had to pay an arm and a leg to advertise it.
Don’t get us wrong, advertising is still a must today, but so much of what was contained in traditional ads can be placed right on your website for potential customers to view at any time. The cost of developing and maintaining a website is minimal compared to the recurring costs of traditional advertising methods.
Question: How will a website help my business evolve?
Answer: Website analytics can provide unexpected information about the wants and needs of customers.
Web analytics act as a barometer, providing insight into the needs and wants of customers, often in unexpected ways. The analytics and data collection tools available online are invaluable. They help track trends, eliminate pain points, evaluate the efficacy of specific efforts, and ultimately determine where to focus efforts moving forward.
Question: I’m already on a tight budget. Why should I have a website for my small business?
Answer: Websites can be monetized in so many ways!
A website provides additional opportunities for monetization such as selling advertising space, creating a “hire me” page, or offering digital products like an e-book or online course. These aren’t usually huge money makers, but they can help generate a little bit of extra cash to inject right back into your small business.
Question: Why do I need a website if I’m doing just fine without one?
Answer: Because customers expect it.
More than anything, your business needs a website because your customers expect you to have one. When a customer decides to make a purchase, there will almost always be multiple options from which they can choose. The first place they’ll look to research those options is online. If you don’t have a website for them to check out, the chance of gaining their business is pretty darn slim.
We know following trends and working within the status quo aren’t what makes businesses successful, but an online presence isn’t a trend. It’s a non-negotiable. You’ll surely find and retain customers who have never seen your website, but that’s the exception, not the rule.
Elevate Your Business with a Hungry Media Website
Even if you recognize why a business does need a website, it doesn’t mean that building one must fall on your shoulders, alone. From engaging e-commerce sites to state-of-the-art mobile apps, and everything in between, Hungry Media creates from-scratch, user-friendly websites that help our clients make the most of their growing businesses.
We’ll be your web guru so you can focus on what you do best – running a successful company. Contact us today to learn more about creating a website that elevates your business and sets you apart from the rest.
contributed by Melissa Lucas, senior staff writer
