The Importance of Having a Website for your Business
There’s no way to avoid it: the internet is taking over our lives. I mean, you’re using the internet to read this very article, right now. In today’s digital era, the need for an updated, navigable website for your business is essential. Today’s consumers use the internet to conduct product or service research prior to even setting foot in the store. Even I am guilty of this: just the other day, I visited a restaurant’s website to check out their menu before I left the house. I also checked to make sure they were open, and I read a few Yelp reviews before I making the decision to eat there. I am not alone.
The Sad, Sad Truth
The Independent We Stand campaign reports that 97% of internet users conduct online research on local products and services before committing to a purchase. However, Hibu reports that 45% of small businesses don’t have a website at all. If the restaurant I researched the other day didn’t have a website, I probably wouldn’t have eaten there. It’s sad, but it’s the truth. Take it from Dave Sanay, the President and CEO of Fleishman-Hillard, “Today, the collective voice of the Internet is eclipsing the persuasive power of family, friends or colleagues when it comes to influencing purchase decisions. Our survey shows the tremendous opportunity that today’s tech-savvy consumer presents. Marketers need to maximize their online channels to make it easy for consumers to interact with and access information about their brands.” Your business’s website needs to be current, functional, and stunning in order to keep up with the high standards of your customers.
Smart Phones Are Taking Over The World
It doesn’t end there: your business not only needs to have a website, it also needs to be mobile compatible. According to Deloitte’s Global Mobile Consumer Survey, 70% of consumers own a smart phone. Remember that research I did about the restaurant? Yup, I did that on my phone. Approximately 2 out of 3 consumers surveyed by Fleishman-Hillard use a mobile device to research a brand, product, or destination. Despite this, Local Search Association Insider (LSA Insider) reports that nearly half of small business owners’ websites are not accessible via mobile. For today’s fast-paced consumers, having to deal with a website that doesn’t work on their smart phones is, well, annoying, and some will find another business to employ if they struggle to get your website to work. The first impression for your business shouldn’t be annoying or complicated.
Your Personal, 24/7 Marketer
Offering an online, mobile presence isn’t only important because consumers can use their smart phones to connect with your business. Having a mobile website allows them to engage at any moment they choose. Consumers no longer need to be sitting at a desk to access the world wide web – and – to discover your business. That means 24/7/365, from anywhere in the entire world. A well-designed and informative website is equivalent to a marketer that never sleeps (and doesn’t charge you). Customers don’t have to call you to find out your hours if you have a website. They’re free to find you, engage with you, and employ you whether it’s 3 am or 3 pm, whether it’s a holiday or just an average Tuesday, and whether they’re at home or at the mall.
You Wanna Be Cool, Right?
Having a website for your business also states that you’ve entered the modernized world. To the younger consumers of today, a lack of a website is totally uncool. And you don’t want them to think you’re uncool; those youngsters are your future customers. A website allows you to show the world who you are and to convince them to buy your products or enlist your services. It also provides a higher level of customer service. Your customers can find all the information they need in one place, no searching through Facebook and Google. The happier your potential customer is with your online presence, the more likely they are to become clients.
A website for your business is absolutely essential in the modern, digital world. Almost every single person uses the internet to conduct research about a business first (in fact, you may be doing that very thing right now with my business!), and mobile compatibility is a must. A website allows you to share your story and interact with your customers at any time, from anywhere. Without one, you may be annoying your potential customers before you even meet them.
wasting your time.
Questions?
Have questions about this post or anything I discussed here? Send me a message!