Did you know that a whopping 29-percent of small business owners do not have a website? That number is surprisingly high due to the fact that we now live in a digital world. The vast majority of consumers depend on the Internet to not only research the products and services that they plan to purchase, but also to research the companies that are selling those products and services. Take a look around you. Thanks to handheld, web enabled electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets; most of us are constantly glued to our screens. If your business is part of the 29-percent that still does not have web presence, it is time to change that. Otherwise you are doomed to lose business to your competition. The following information will provide you with a few more reasons why small business owners need a website in this day and age.
A Website Makes Your Small Business Look More Credible
The majority of small businesses have a website. That means consumers expect your company to have a website as well. In essence, when a business fails to have an Internet presence, it is a complete turnoff to consumers. Your website puts your business out there, and makes itself known to the general public. Since modern consumers expect it, your website give you instant credibility. In addition, small businesses that have old and outdated websites leave a bad impression on potential customers.
It all comes down to appearance. If an organization looks as if they do not care about their website, or keeping it updated, it appears as if they do not care about their customers as well. For example, old designs and layouts do not portray your business in a good light. Neither do poor use of colors and fonts. Consumers tend to click away when they encounter these ancient looking websites. Unfortunately, a great deal of small business owners succumb to this due to the fact that they do not have the time or skill set to design a functional, modern looking website.
Fortunately, professional website developers can help small business owners look professional, let alone legitimate. A website, or an updated website certainly is a wise investment for small business owners.
A Website Gives You More Control
When small business owners have a website, they are at the wheel. In essence, you can drive exactly what consumers see and how your business is perceived. In addition, websites provide you with a significant amount of consumer driven data. You can see exactly where your target audience logs in from, what time they log in, and what they searched to get to your website. This is an extremely powerful tool for small business owners. It takes out a lot of the guesswork out of the equation, and helps you pinpoint your customers and potential customers thought patterns and behaviors.
For example, website owners can track exactly how long their target audience stays logged onto a particular page. You can also pinpoint the keywords they searched for. Small business owners can then target their audience with relevant, and useful content that is sure to engage them.
A Website Helps To Develop Your Brand
What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “branding?” Most people picture a logo. While it is true that a logo is a piece of the puzzle, there is a lot more to it than that. Your brand is the heart and soul of your business. In essence, it is the thing that stays alive in the minds of your customers and potential customers. Your brand makes your business distinguishable, and is the model that people come to know and trust. Your website is the most useful tool that enables your brand to develop.
Small business owners can help their brand shine with the proper website design, layout, and of course content. Your website provides an incredible opportunity for your company to tell its story. Consumers love a good story. When they purchase a product or service from your business they become part of that story.
Are you ready to get your business recognized online? Give us a call today to get started.
