Introduction
As a business owner, you might ask yourself, “Do I really need a website for my business? Will a business website help my business grow? Who will even make the website and at what price?” among many other questions. In this article, I shall address all these concerns and so much more in regard to the importance of having a business website. Let’s delve.
Sometime back in 2022, a friend of mine, let’s call her Window, started a business. She was selling chic and antique African statement jewelry, quality stuff I tell you. Window established her business on Instagram. Her first year of business was a bit tricky because her account was still growing. Second year of business, she started making sales and profits and ever since then, her business kept flourishing.
However, one day, she was chatting with her ‘cousin’. Her ‘cousin’ then told her to change her email address and some admin settings so as ‘to attract more people and to optimize her page’. She did not question much because why not, it’s my cousin! But little did she know. Two seconds later, she was logged out of her account and just like that, Window was hacked, and her business went down the drain. She came to realize that her cousin’s account was also hacked a while back and all this while, Window was chatting with the hacker. I believe you have had of such stories before.
Genuinely speaking, I keep wondering to myself: Do business owners ever ask themselves, “If my account ever gets hacked, or if the social media platform I use for my business gets banned or even deleted, will my business survive?”
In digital marketing, having an online presence is no longer an option, it is more of a necessity. As a business owner, one of the most crucial decisions that you must make is having a website for your business. Business websites serve as the face of your business online. It ought to be the first touchpoint with your clients or potential customers even before they get to your social media pages.
Just like Window, many business owners establish their brands on social media platforms as their main tool to make their brand visible. And, unfortunately, even their marketing techniques are wanting. I bet you have come across business accounts on social media, asking you to ‘DM for prices.’ I don’t know about you, if it was me, I would lose interest immediately and probably leave their page.
Imagine yourself as a potential client visiting a business profile only to find, ‘DM for prices.’ Quite ridiculous, right? Sadly, that is how brands lose credibility and trust.
Why Your Business Needs a Website
According to research, the average human attention span is 8 to 12 seconds only. Meaning, people are visual beings, they are compelled to like based on what they see. Therefore, you need invest in making your brand visually appealing and in compelling brand strategies so as to make your brand memorable to your audience.
1. First impressions matter.
A professionally designed website with an appealing layout, intuitive and easy to use navigation, visually pleasing graphics and aesthetics creates a positive first impression. It establishes trust and professionalism, giving your target audience the confidence to explore your brand’s products or services even further.
2. Responsivity
Whether you are a new business owner, or you have been in business for quite some time, a website is a tool that you must invest in. And not just in any website: but one that is also mobile responsive, one that can be accessed by mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Statistically, about 65% of online traffic comes from mobile devices and this is expected to rise in the years to come.
3. Exposure
Out of the 7.4 billion people in the world. 3.6 billion people or 47% are online for 6 hours every day. They are searching for information, sharing on social media or shopping on e-commerce websites. If your small business does not have a website, you will be undermining its ability to generate income. If you do not know the technical bit on how to build your own website, you can access the help of an expert to help you attain and build your brand visibility through top notch branding services and web development.
4. Credibility
A 2015 survey showed that 84% of customers believe that having a website makes your business more credible than just a social media page. Do not get me wrong, social media has its perks especially in social media marketing, but a business website identifies your brand proposition, tells visitors all about your business and informs everyone how to get in touch with you. A business website gives your business identity and makes your brand become more visible online.
5. Potential Leads
Let me explain further: you see, Google is a search engine where individuals seek specific information online. Those who establish an online presence by creating websites are more likely to attract potential customers. Even if you offer superior products or services, without online visibility, you may go unnoticed.
On a daily basis, people are constantly searching online.
To connect with potential customers searching for what you offer, it is essential to ensure your presence is visible. Facebook, Instagram and other platforms are just social media platforms that can aid in marketing your brand. Having a website indexed on Google, is one of the powerful online marketing tools that ensures that you can be discovered through online searches and through search engine optimization hence facilitating connections with those seeking your services or products.
6. Ideal Platform
Basically, a website provides an ideal platform to showcase your products or services in a visually appealing and informative manner. You can present detailed descriptions, high quality images and customer reviews not only to entice your potential buyer, but also to educate them. A well organized and user-friendly layout enables your target audience to easily navigate your website and find the information they need, as you gain traction to your site and further increasing the chances of conversion.
7. Differentiation from competitors
Having a business website can significantly differentiate your company from competitors by establishing a strong online presence and showcasing your unique value propositions. A well tailored website serves as a digital storefront, providing potential customers with essential information about your products or services, company history, core values and testimonials as well. This transparency builds trust and credibility, setting apart from competitors who may not have as robust an online presence.
8. Expand your reach
A business website can help you expand your reach. Unlike a physical store with geographical limitations, a website allows your business to be visible to customers worldwide. This expanded ability means that even small businesses can compete on a larger scale, attracting customers who might have never discovered their brand through traditional brick and motor operations alone.
9. Convenience
With the ever increasing prevalence of e-commerce, customers are accustomed to the convenience of shopping online and expect businesses to have an online presence. Having a website significantly increases your business reach by making your products or services accessible to a global audience 24/7. Unlike a physical storefront, a website is not limited by geographical boundaries or operating hours, allowing potential customers from different time zones and locations to learn about and engage with your business at their convenience.
10. Return on Investment
Having a website will enable you tap into new markets, target specific demographics across the world and expand your customer base beyond traditional boundaries. Reaching wider audiences increases your chances of generating more leads and driving sales.
Still not convinced? Let’s discuss the benefits.
9 Key Benefits of Having a Website
Having a website for your business will be beneficial in the following ways:
1. Online Presence
A strong online presence is vital for your business in today’s digital world. Establishing a website ensures brand visibility and that it is accessible to potential customers 24/7, regardless of their location or time zone. As a startup or an established business, you need a strong online presence to ensure that you do not miss out on potential customers who are looking for what you offer.
2. Build Credibility and trust
A professional looking website helps build credibility and trust with potential customers. Its showcases your brand’s legitimacy and expertise in your industry.
3. Customer engagement
A website has features like contact details, live chat, blogs, comments and customer review, and direct social media links that enable direct interaction with customers. This engagement fosters relationships and encourages feedback which can lead to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Marketing Opportunities
A website provides a platform to market your products or services effectively. You can use SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which helps you boost search engine rankings, content marketing, social media integration, and email marketing to attract and engage with your target audience.
5. E-commerce capabilities
If you sell products or services, an e-commerce website allows you to reach a broader audience and generate sales online. It provides customers with a comprehensive detail about the product, provide customers with a convenient shopping experience and expands your revenue streams.
6. Brand awareness
Your website serves as a digital storefront where you can showcase your identity, values and unique selling propositions. This helps reinforce your brand image and differentiate your business from competitors.
7. Analytics and Insights
Website analytics toll provide valuable data on visit behavior, traffic sources, conversation rates and so much more. This data helps you understand your audience better, make data driven decisions and optimize your marketing strategies.
8. Scalability
As your business grows, having a website can easily scale to accommodate additional products, services or changes in your business model. It allows your business to adapt quickly to market demands and stay competitive.
9.Customer Support:
Your website can serve as a resource center where customers can find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), access product or service information, and receive support. This improves overall customer satisfaction.
Benefits of having a business website. source: RankMaster SEO | LinkedIn.
Conclusion
Even after all this persuasion, some business owners might still think, “my business is small and I might not need a website” or “I will consider having a website when my business grows.” Well, guess what, that is where you go wrong! Don’t be like Window, who exposed her business by choosing to only focus on one of the many tools in digital marketing.
Digital marketing encompasses a wide range of strategies and tactics aimed at connecting with customers online. It is the use of digital channels, platforms, and technologies to promote and make your brand more visible to your target audience.
At Brait Consulting Limited, we offer this and beyond. I’m talking Website design and development, SEO, Branding Strategies, Graphic design UI/UX, and so much more. Connect with us today, because we do care about your business. When you win, we win! Its quid pro quo!
