If you’re a business owner wondering if you need a website let me save you some time … you do!
And, let me also add that you need a professionally designed website that will authentically represent you and attract your ideal clients.
Why do you need a website for your business? It’s simple. Times have changed. Your clients will no longer look you up in the yellow pages. Before hiring you, they are going to look for you online and check out your website. What sort of message does it send to them if they can’t find you online because you don’t have a website? Probably not a very good one and they will most likely move on to the next business, one with a website.
Basically, a website isn’t just about what it does for you, it’s about what it does for your prospective clients.
And, before you ask, no it is not enough just to have a page on Facebook, you need a website too. Why? Because you don’t own your Facebook page, Facebook does. If they close down, shut down your page, change their algorithm, you have no control over that. With a website, you own it – it’s yours!
97% of people will go online to find and research a local business
The majority of consumers use websites to find and engage with businesses.
Now, let’s get down to the top five reasons why you need a website for your business:
1. To build credibility
Your website helps to build your trust factor. Because so many businesses have a website, not having one makes you really stand out, but in a negative way. Potential clients may think you have something to hide. Having a website makes you look professional in the eyes of your clients. Your website allows clients to find out more about you and your services. Your website causes people to take you and your business seriously. You build trust with the information you provide – how long you’ve been in business, credentials you have, testimonials from clients, a portfolio of work. Your website helps you with the know, like and trust factor that is so important. Clients need to know, like and trust you before they will buy from you. Your website is the first step in helping to build this client-business relationship.
Beware though – if your website is designed poorly, it won’t help you at all. You only have a few seconds to make a good impression on website visitors and tell them how working with you can benefit them. If your website doesn’t do this effectively, they will leave and find someone else.
2. Marketing
Your website is the online home of your business and it is home base for all of your digital marketing. With a website, you can have visitors sign up to receive your newsletter or opt in to your email list to get your freebie. With a website, you can blog which means you’re creating fresh content (which is great for SEO) and you’re establishing yourself as an expert in your field.
If you’re interested in starting an email list, my preferred email marketing platform is Mailerlite. And, if you want to learn more about SEO, I recommend reading through Neil Patel’s blog.
3. To be accessible 24/7
Your website never sleeps. It’s available to your clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It stays open even after you’ve closed for the day and requires no additional effort from you. This is super convenient for clients because you never know when a potential client may be looking for information about what you provide. A website gives your clients ease of access, whenever they want it.
4. To build connections
People will visit your website to get to know your business better. They want to know more about you, what you offer, what you charge, etc. You control the narrative on your website so you can showcase what services you want to and what testimonials you want to. You can show a video of your process. These are all great ways to connect with visitors, build a strong client relationship and provide a personal touch.
And, since it’s getting harder for businesses to connect with users on social media platforms due to algorithm changes and low organic reach, your website is even more important for building connections.
5. To make a good first impression
We all know how important first impressions are. If a potential client searches for you online and can’t find a website, what kind of first impression does that make on them? Probably not a good one. Not having a website shows you don’t care that much about your clients (they’re looking for you and you can’t even be bothered to help them find you). Or, maybe they think that you can’t afford a website and that would make you difficult to trust. But, if they do search for you and find your website and it’s professional then this gives you a wonderful opportunity to give your client a great first experience with you by making sure your site is mobile and responsive, easy to navigate, simple and clean design, full of useful information and content.
If you found this information on why you need a website for your business helpful, I hope you’ll share it with others who may benefit from it using the links below.
If you’d like to start the conversation about working together, please fill out the client application form and I will be in touch to schedule a complimentary introductory call.
