In years of professional consulting, the question many small and medium entrepreneurs often ask is ‘Are Small Business Websites Important?’

ABSOLUTELY!  We are living in a very modern and connected era.  This enables many small businesses with the opportunity to put their professional feet forward and compete with bigger businesses. And it all begins with small business websites as the nucleus of your overall brand strategy.

If you are a traditional brick-and-mortar business model, you’re probably on the fence.  Contemplating whether implementing a small business website is a good decision.  Then now is an excellent time to consider how our Web Design and Web Development services could impact your business.

Small Business Websites Are Important

In this article, we hope to change your opinions and objections about business websites.  In fact, we want to help you to position your small business for success. Here are ten reasons why small business websites are important to a growing company.

1.  IMPROVE SMALL BUSINESS CREDIBILITY

Today, more and more consumers use the internet to find businesses, search for products or services they need.  Your small business will immediately gain credibility by having a website. Otherwise, potential customers will go to your competitors that do. The professional image associated with a website will more than often inspire even greater confidence in the consumer.  For home-based businesses, this is especially important since you do not have a physical storefront.  This is important to promote your products or services.

2.  BUSINESS DISCOVERABILITY

With almost Billions of Google searches occurring each day, your customer could be seconds away from finding you online and patronizing your business.  Small Business websites allow potential customers to access your business and learn about your offerings.

3.  ENGAGE WITH CUSTOMERS

A business website is your online brochure or sales catalog.  Imagine being able to easily and quickly inform potential customers about new products, upcoming events, special promotions, or any new services you now offer.  You simply are not afforded this luxury when dealing with print ads which can easily become outdated compared to information on your website.

4. AVAILABLE 24/7

A website is available 24/7/365 to current and potential customers and if designed properly, provides customers with the ability to browse your products and services when your store or office is closed.  This is a tremendous luxury in business because business does not end when your physical storefront closes.  This is a great selling point when making a purchase decision.

5.  TARGET GLOBAL CUSTOMERS

A business website can help brick-and-mortar companies looking to expand to a larger market by providing them with the ability to market your products or services internationally.  This can help to grow your business and revenue exponentially.

6.  INCREASE BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY

Providing information to your customers takes time, whether it’s on the phone, in person, in a brochure, or through a series of emails. Besides having an online catalogue, you can easily provide direct links to customers via emails, social media posts or facebook fan page messages.  This provides your customer with the necessary information to make an informed decision.  Saving both your company and your customers time is important.

7.  BUILD BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS

The ability for businesses to relate to their online audience is a game changer in modern business.  Customers do not automatically look to purchase your products or request your services without first connecting with your business.  This is the important phase in building relationships and ensuring that your customers visit your website to understand more about your company.

Consumers are more likely to visit your website and social media pages to learn about your business before they reach out to you.  Replying to emails and social media comments are also great tools which businesses should use to help build trust and personalize your business experience.

8.  GAIN MORE CUSTOMERS

Everyone loves new business and new customers, having a website will enable your business to achieve an increase in new customers and new sales leads.  In addition, customers visiting your website are more likely to patronize your business or request your services because they are already actively engaging your brand.

9. PROMOTE YOUR SALES & MARKETING

A fundamental need for businesses of all size is to develop a viable marketing strategy.  However, a website should be a core component within your sales & marketing plans to guide your business to increase sales and generate a growing demand among consumers.

10. OUTDO THE COMPETITION

In conclusion, the importance of small business websites should focus on helping your company outperform the competition.  The business landscape is more challenging year by year, are you doing enough to make potential customers consider you instead of the ‘other guy’ around the block?

Unless your business is full everyday, doesn’t want more clients or is focused on only using Facebook to promote business, then we would strongly consider that you modernize your approach to business and consider contacting us to have a candid conversation about how we can help your business stand out from the crowd.