Despite the growth in technology, several small businesses are still without a website. It is understandable, though, because some establishments, like coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores, and yoga studios, are designed and better experienced in person.
Furthermore, a lot of business owners do not have the time, skill, or funds to build a website. Although now, it is considerably easier with companies offering WordPress development for interactive websites.
With the spread of coronavirus, with state and local governments giving shelter-in-place orders, in-person business transactions have become impossible, if not difficult. Small businesses are now turning to digital solutions to survive the pandemic.
If you are a small business owner still dubious of embracing the world of digital marketing, here’s why your business should have a good, optimized website:
It Boosts Your Online Presence
With fewer people commuting daily, traditional media such as billboards and signage would not give the same amount of impression as in the pre-coronavirus world.
Moreover, no matter what industry you are in, in this digital age, your company’s website is your number one marketing asset. Your website serves as a 24/7 advertisement for potential customers, whether locally or globally.
Even if your business only caters to the local market, you cannot rely 100 percent on word-of-mouth for people to know how great your products or services are. Nowadays, 90 percent of consumers use search engines to find local businesses before deciding to purchase. Accordingly, consumers depend heavily on reviews before trusting a company.
It Gives Good Company Branding
Branding is essential because not only does it allow consumers to know the products or services you are selling, but it also an avenue to show why you are unique from your competitors. Thus, your company is a better choice.
Sure, you can build your brand on social media. However, these platforms offer limited access to process, design, and technology. As the algorithm changes, your page might not appear as frequent on search results.
With a website, you have more flexibility and control over your online presence. Moreover, having a website proves your business is credible and trustworthy.
A website is like a business card nowadays. The majority of consumers believe that businesses who have websites are legitimate than those who have none.
It Is a Worthy Investment
Most small business owners fear that it is costly and challenging to build and maintain a website. Perhaps that is the case 10 or even five years ago.
With recent developments in the digital world, website building and designing cost much less, and it is easier to keep it up to date. Moreover, having one gives you a much wider market reach than traditional advertising.
Having a website boosts the productivity rate of your small business since it serves as your 24-hour online catalog. Thus, less time is spent explaining to customers details of your product or service.
On top of that, having a website for your business allows you to cut overhead expenses like rentals, utilities, and staff wages. You do not need a physical store anymore, or, in the case, you cannot open your physical store yet.
The bottom line is, having a website is cost-efficient.
It Offers Convenience for Your Customer
Perhaps the most important reason of all, having a website offers convenience for your customers. Nobody likes going down the block, expecting their favorite local store to be open, only to find out that they are not. Through your website, you can post your store schedules for your customers to check.
Other than that, your existing customers can reach you day and night, giving them greater access, not only to your products or services but also to more information. Offering fast customer service results in more satisfied customers and boosts brand loyalty.
It Is an Avenue for Consumer Insight
Handing people a piece of paper at a storefront to get them to write down their email addresses is harder than getting them to type it down on a website.
A business website is not only a place to sell your products or services, but it is also an avenue for you to learn more about your customers. Having information about your consumers allows you to improve and tailor your interaction according to their preferences.
By collecting email addresses of your site visitors, you gain another channel to communicate with them, such as newsletters. Through such means, you can share special offers and advertise the new products or offerings of your company.
