In this blog, I will touch on why it is paramount for all businesses who want to succeed to have a website. As we continue to move into the digital age, it is becoming more important to embrace the business environment we find ourselves in.
We understand that you may have a website already, or feel you don’t need a website. However in reality it is critical for business to update their websites constantly to ensure they do not have a website that does not reflect the business. A website that has not been changed/updated/redesigned/or refreshed in 2 years is in urgent need of a refresh.
Customers will look at old websites and immediately think:
- Is the business capable in todays modern landscape
- Does the business still exist?
- How credible is this business?
- Is this business a professional business or a home business?
It is extremely unfortunate as so many businesses have superb products or services but are being judged before they get the chance to showcase it. This is why we exist, to make your business experience better for your customers.
Below are some reasons as to why it is important to have a website for your business.
1. CREDIBILITY
Gone are the days where the majority of customers look through directories like the yellow pages, or just simply drive past a business and go straight in. People are searching online for things they want, for solutions to their problems, to compare prices, to read reviews of others experiences or just to get some information about a store, restaurant or business before dealing with them. Without a website you are giving your competitors the edge, if you can’t be found online, most customers will search for alternatives and see that as your business lacking credibility, whether you are the best in your industry or not.
The debate then switches over to what website should you have, do you save money and build a DIY website, or do you get a professional web designer to give you a professional and responsive website to all platforms. To those questioning the cost involved, your website is your business as much as your products or service are. It is constantly available for people to see, it is your 24/7 customer service agent, would you really be happy if you had an employee who was average when you know you could do so much better? Would you really use substandard products in your offering that you know you could do better? I know I wouldn’t.
With careful planning, designed responsively and with your customers’ needs in mind, your website will provide a professional image and give potential customers a great experience when they visit, whether it’s on their computer, their tablet or their mobile phone.
2. 24/7 service
Your website is an employee for your business that never takes time off, while you may be sleeping, on holiday or working, your website allows customers to deal with your company.
Unlike you bricks-and-mortar shop which is only open during business hours, a website is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can provide both regular, and prospective customers the convenience of reviewing your products and services when your store or office is closed.
Websites also give you the chance to interact with your clients, allowing them to purchase, sign up, get more information and etc without ever leaving their couch. With today’s busy lifestyles, this is a great selling point when making a purchase decision.
3. Cost Effective Marketing
Think of a website as being an online brochure or catalogue that can be updated at any time. It is much easier and quicker to update information about your products and services on your website than it is in a print brochure or catalogue.
A website is an effective way of introducing your customers to new services, letting them know about new products, announcing upcoming events and special promotions. You can also provide added value by posting tips, resources, and other information through a blog on your website.
Unlike print ads, newspaper articles and flyers, which quickly become outdated, your website can provide current information and news. And if you discover a mistake after you publish a page or post, it is a quick fix.
A website can be so much more than just an online brochure or catalogue though. Now we have YouTube videos, Podcasts, Webinars, eBooks and other online media to showcase our skills, expertise, and products, provide online classes, courses and workshops. Not to mention social media integration which enables you to share information on your website across numerous other channels and reach an even wider audience.
4. A WEBSITE ENABLES YOU TO TARGET A WIDER AUDIENCE
Websites are accessible from anywhere in the world provided there is an internet connection. Since more and more people have access to the internet, even in remote locations, you can target a much wider audience if your business has a website.
Whether you offer products or services, or you’re business or consumer based, your website provides you with an alternative location to sell. As a retailer, an eCommerce website is a great place to sell your products to a wider market. Think of all the people who can’t get to your bricks and mortar store that you could sell your products to.
Even service-based businesses can offer their services globally through a website. Now that we have so many affordable ways to communicate with people, we can do business with anyone, anywhere, any time.
5. A WEBSITE SAVES YOU TIME
Time is money, so they are often linked together. Saving time is another great reason why your business needs a professional website.
By providing information to your customers online, you can save a vast amount of valuable time that you would otherwise spend communicating with your prospects over the phone, via email, etc.
6. A WEBSITE CAN IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICE
A website is a great way to provide service to your customers and clients and is a great way to keep them coming back to you when they need your products or services. No matter what products you sell, you can share tips with your customers on how to use or care for the products they’ve purchased from you. It is foolish to not include these as they not only give a value to your customer’s experience, they also help to make you sound like the authority in this space. If you are giving customers sound tips and updates in the Industry, why would they feel the need to go anywhere else?
7. Social Media
Having the ability to be active on social media is important these days, it gives you a direct channel to your customers and potential customers unlike ever before. It allows you to advertise and communicate with your desired target at a fraction of the cost than any other advertising will cost you. While it may take time at the start to build your following, reputation and brand persona, in the long run, it can become a sustainable lead generation platform that will fuel your business.
Having a current website allows you to align your brand on both platforms, link all content to boost the performance of both pages, and put your business up the list.
Did you know:
- Google penalizes your rankings in their search engine if your website is old, outdated, lacks content, or is HTML
- Google penalizes your rankings if you do not have a social media account
- Facebook penalizes your page if you do not have a linked website
- 80% of people view websites on their phone. If your website is old they aren’t seeing it!
If you would like a free review of your current website to see how it can be improved to help your business please contact me on 0421 289 835 or email me at daniel@thedigitalknight.com.au.