Why Small Businesses need a Website

When people find out what I do I am often asked "Do I really 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:

• 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.

• GET NEW CUSTOMERS- YOUR WEBSITE IS A FULL-TIME SALESPERSON WITHOUT THE OVERHEAD EXPENSE OF A TRADITIONAL EMPLOYEE. AND IT'S OPEN 24/7!

• 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.

Are you in a competitive local market and need to stand out, then we should talk.

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 judgement and making decisions about whether or not 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 business 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 bad website it is better to have no website. While no website equals missed opportunities, a bad website can actually be worse since it literally makes your business look bad. With so many template based websites available nowadays, such as Shopify.com, for you to customize for your unique business, there's truly 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 important business information in one place

Make your website for local business 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 have 5 essential pages on your website.

• Homepage
• About Us
• Products/Services
• Contact Information
• Testimonials