Many small businesses, especially new small businesses, run a lean operation. They focus on necessities and urgent matters, only spending money when they need to. So, it’s easy to see why some entrepreneurs might think a small business website is a luxury item they can afford to live without.
A professional website isn’t an expensive luxury or a frivolous expense. It’s an affordable, fundamental marketing tool that every small business needs.
It amazes me how many small business owners I hear from who still don’t realize that most of their potential customers will visit their website before making a purchase.
In surveys, many business owners say they don’t have the skills, the time, or the money to build a website. But a surprising number say that they don’t need a website in the first place, either because it’s not required or because they use social media instead.
If you are still on the fence, here are a few compelling reasons why it’s important for your small business to have a website:
Credibility
One of the main reasons you should have a website for your business is to increase your organization’s credibility. One way you can stand out is by having a website that looks good and clearly communicates quality information to your website visitors.
Probably the most common downside to not having a website is that people may question your legitimacy as a business. Having a user-friendly website that provides valuable information is a great way to communicate to your audience that you are a real business that can serve them to meet their needs.
A website not only helps small businesses promote and sell their products and services, but it also allows them to distinguish themselves from their competitors, especially for customers who rely heavily on the Internet to learn what they need to know before making a purchase, whether that is a physical product or a service. This makes a website one of the most important business assets for sharing information, building credibility and standing out in crowded marketplaces.
Keep in mind that there are things that can appear on your site that can quickly bring down your credibility. Make sure to avoid having these elements on your site.
- Outdated information
- Incorrect information
- On-site errors
- Spelling and grammar errors
- Old, outdated design or layout
Work with your digital marketing professional to keep your small business website up-to-date and functioning properly to avoid losing trust and credibility with customers.
Organic Traffic
Reaching thousands of people solely using traditional marketing methods like direct mail or print advertising can be very