Many small business owners believe their businesses cannot benefit from having a website or that a website is not within their budget. These are misconceptions. Here are 8 reasons why your company needs a professional website, no matter what size your business.
1. Gains Credibility
Today, most consumers use the internet to search for the products or services they need. A small business will gain credibility by having a website. Without one, potential customers will choose other businesses that do. Having a professionally designed website will provide a small business or startup with a professional image which will inspire even greater confidence. This is particularly beneficial for home-based businesses, as the website is the storefront from which to promote products or services.
2. Saves Money
Small business owners often think they can’t afford a professional website; the reality is they can’t afford not to. Although the cost of designing a website varies, once it’s up and running, a website for a small business generally costs under £100 a month and, in some cases, as little as £20. It’s a very cost-effective way to promote a business compared with the cost of a newspaper ad and the potential market reach with a website.
3. Keeps Customers Informed
A website is like having an online brochure or catalogue. It is much easier and quicker to update information about products and services on a website than in print material, making it an effective way of letting customers know about the arrival of new products, upcoming events, special promotions, or any new service offers. Unlike print ads which quickly become outdated, a website can provide current information and news.
4. Always Open
A website is always available to potential customers, providing them with the convenience of reviewing your products and services when your store or office is closed. With the way people live their lives now, this is a great selling point when making a purchase decision.
5. It’s local and it’s global
A website provides an alternative location to sell your products and services. As a retailer, an eCommerce website is a great place to sell your products not just locally, but globally too.
6. Showcasing Work
A website is a great place to showcase products or services. By including a portfolio or image gallery, as well as testimonials, it builds trust with potential customers.
7. Saves Time
Providing product and service information to customers takes time, whether it’s on the phone, face-to-face, in a brochure, or in emails. An online website provides lots of information to customers about the products and services provided. When the website is up and running, it is available to customers indefinitely, saving you time.
8. Improves Customer Service
A website can be used to improve customer service, for example, a business selling environmentally friendly products might want to share tips on how to recycle, or perhaps an accounting firm wants to give their clients advice on how to simplify their bookkeeping practices. A well-designed website could include a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page, or articles or even a newsletter to answer customers’ questions and can keep them up-to-date.
Need 8 more reasons why your small business needs a professionally built website? Send us a message!