When people discover what I do, I am often asked, "Do I need a website?". My answer is an unequivocal Yes! For example, if you are a plumber in Cincinnati and don't have a website, you would not be in front of the 320 searches every month on Google for the term "Plumber in Cincinnati. If you do not have a website, how would these 320 potential customers know your business exists?
A website for your small business allows you to compete when potential customers look for your product or service. According to the SBA (Small Business Administration), 97% of consumers look online for local products and services.
In addition, your small business website is an affordable way to:
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GAIN TRUST- A WEBSITE WITH USEFUL CONTENT ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE ALLOWS YOU TO GAIN TRUST WITH POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS. THEY KNOW YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT.
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GET NEW CUSTOMERS- YOUR WEBSITE IS A FULL-TIME SALESPERSON WITHOUT THE OVERHEAD EXPENSE OF A TRADITIONAL EMPLOYEE. AND IT'S OPEN 24/7!
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BEAT YOUR COMPETITORS- 47% OF YOUR SMALL BUSINESS COMPETITORS DO NOT HAVE A WEBSITE. RECENT RESEARCH REVEALS THAT 84% OF CONSUMERS BELIEVE A BUSINESS WITH A WEBSITE IS MORE CREDIBLE.
We should talk if you are in a competitive local market and need to stand out.
Forbes shared some thoughts on this back in 2014.
First Impressions Count
Let's face it - we live in a world where people Google GOOGL +0% before they shop, visit online review sites like Yelp YELP +0% before they buy, and "check-in" via Facebook as they go about their days. Because of this, you want your first impression to be the best it can be. Beginning with your website, consumers are passing judgment and deciding whether they will even visit your store, restaurant, or office. They're likely to dismiss you entirely, as well, should they believe your website doesn't reflect the kind of experience your business - or a company like yours - should offer.
No Website Means Losing Business
By now, it's clear that if you don't have a website, you're missing out on opportunities for customers to identify who you are and if they want to spend money with you. This said, if you have a terrible website, it is better to have no website. While no website equals missed opportunities, a bad website can be worse since it makes your business look bad. With so many template-based websites available nowadays, such as Shopify.com, for you to customize your unique business, there's no excuse for your website to look unprofessional and sloppy. If you can't proudly promote the website you have currently live and available for the world to see online, take it down. A bad website is far worse than no website - but let's be clear... both are bad for business.
GoDaddy shares that a website allows you to Put all of your essential business information in one place
Make your website for local businesses a helpful resource so customers can visit your site to get all the details they need about your enterprise. Add information such as:
- Your address
- Your phone number
- Contact form or contact email address
- Menu or service list
- Prices
- Special promotions
- Events
The U.S. Small Business Administration advises you to have 5 essential pages on your website.
- Homepage
- About Us
- Products/Services
- Contact Information
- Testimonials
