Every business owner plans for success, of course. The hard part is knowing what to include in that plan. Of course, that runs across a whole range of issues. It includes what to offer, where to locate, how much to charge, and how to market yourself. There’s always a lot to take into account!
One choice that business owners have to consider is what their website will look like. But we’re sometimes asked, “Do I need a website?” I try to be honest even if it means turning away business. And the truth is, your business probably should have a website. In 2020, having a business website is almost as essential as having a telephone.
Sure, there may be some examples where a business website isn’t necessary. For instance, if you’re in a small town and serve the local community, it might not be necessary. You’re easy to find and word spreads quickly. However, in almost every other circumstance, our opinion is that you should definitely invest in a website.
Here are some of the advantages of having a website for your business:
A Website Lets People Know You Exist
Even an established business wants to reach new customers. Having a website is a great – almost essential – way to do that.
A website shows that you are there. It’s an indicator that your business, with your name and logo, is open.
Not many years ago, we used the Yellow Pages for that. If we needed a locksmith (as I recently did), we let our fingers do the walking. In 1990, that was through the pages. Now, it’s across the keyword.
It Tells People Who You Are
Your website also lets you express yourself.
It’s a chance to share what you do. You can (and definitely should!) talk about your services and products.
But that’s not all your site can express. It’s an opportunity to share what makes you unique. Why should people choose you instead of your competitors?
You can also talk about ideas that are more basic and go beyond simple consumerism. What are your business’ values? What causes do you stand behind? How do you see yourself taking a responsible role in society? There’s more to you and your business than transactional relationships. Your website can help make that clear to visitors.
It Provides Contact Information
The primary reason that people used (and occasionally still use) the Yellow Pages was to get contact information like a phone number. And that’s often the reason they’ll look up a business on the internet, too.
Your website is a channel to provide your contact information. That can include your phone number and address if those are relevant to your business. It can also have an email address, contact form, social media links, and other ways to get in touch with you.
Remember that if they don’t know how to get in touch, they can’t do business with you. And a website is one of the most efficient ways to give them that opportunity.
It Lets You Share News
Sure, your website provides basic information about who you are, what you do, and how to reach you. That information is relatively constant, though. It’s good to update it occasionally, but not too often.
But there are other bits of information that may not be as essential. At times, you might want to share news that’s of short-term value. Going on vacation? Shutting down for a month for renovations? Have a special offer coming up? Your website is a great place to share it.
A blog can be another great section of your site. While it can be used to share news, it can also provide other information, such as how-to guides, histories, or other information in article format. It’s also a great way to get visitors to your site – and visitors may eventually become clients!
A Website Can Provide New Sales Channels
Some types of businesses can find whole new ways to sell via their websites. Not only can they help prospective customers find your physical location (if you have one), you can also sell products and even services.
E-commerce has provided new channels to make sales, and it’s largely automated. In some cases, you can even have orders packaged and shipped remotely. That means you don’t even have to have them in stock.
Even if you ship or deliver yourself, you’ll appreciate the chance to receive orders 24 hours a day. You can’t stay up day and night to handle requests, and you probably can’t hire people to do so, either. But your website will be there, ready to accept requests from those who have very different schedules.
It May Even Save You Time
A website takes time to design and set up if you do it yourself. It takes time (although not as much) if you hire someone because you have to help them understand your business and your needs. But in the long run, you might save time by having a site.
How? Because you can answer questions there that otherwise you would have to answer on the phone or in meetings. Clients or customers will always have more questions or need verification. But they can find so much information from your well-designed site. That can translate into having fewer inquiries for people who are looking for something you don’t offer. And it can allow users to find the answers to their questions without you having to address them individually.
Yes, there’s an initial investment of time, and there are updates you want to do. But they can translate into spending less time on other issues. And time is money!
Conclusion
No, I can’t say that every business needs a website. But those that don’t are few and far between. Your site can offer a lot to your current and prospective clients. That makes them more likely to choose you, and that means your business will continue to grow!
If you’re looking to create a new site or improve an existing one, get in touch with us at info@coolhuntersgt.net.