Here Are 5 Reasons Why Small Businesses Need A Website
Around 50% of businesses do not have their own website so here are 5 reasons why small businesses need a website in 2020 and beyond.
Hi Trish Davies, here from Build Your AU. The digital revolution in business started around 15 – 20 years ago and is only going to gather momentum. Especially due to the Coronavirus pandemic which has forced millions of businesses to adapt their working practices.
Practical elements such as social distancing, health, and hygiene measures, have been enforced to conform with hastily arranged guidelines. Slowly but surely businesses around the world have started to open up and face the new normal.
There have been many teething problems though with localised lockdowns reinforced. This has taken many businesses back to square one.
It is not just the practical elements that businesses have needed to address. If they have physical premises, then their customer footfall has dried up and is only now starting to trickle back.
As an existing business owner, you will understand these dilemmas. If you are just starting out, then these are the obstacles that you will be facing
Therefore, you will be forced to look online to enable you to trade. This means that you need a platform where people can find you. The obvious solution is to create a website, but the amazing fact is that around 50% of businesses don’t have one.
You must not let yourself fall into this segment. To ensure you don’t I am going to share with you 5 reasons why small businesses need a website.
Why Small Businesses Need A Website Is To Appear Credible
The internet was created mainly for people to access information, but it is also a massive business directory. Think of the old yellow pages that you once flicked through to find businesses to solve your problems. Back in the day if you were a credible business you needed to be in there.
The internet is no different so you must have a website where people can find you online. Having a professional looking website is imperative to establish your authority and credibility.
It is also the first impression people have of your brand and what you stand for. When people come across you, they will instantly feel you are reputable and trustworthy. If they search for you online and can’t find you then you will lose them forever, there are no second chances.
Your website also is the perfect platform to showcase the products and services that you offer. Individuals can then make an informed decision based upon the information you publish about your business.
Open All Hours
The internet never goes to sleep. Every second of every day there are people looking online for solutions. Therefore, you are not restricted as you are in a traditional business to a certain number of hours in that 24-hour window.
What it also means is that anyone from anywhere around the world can access your business. You can generate sales and leads on demand even when you are asleep or out enjoying yourself.
Your website gives you leverage that you simply can’t achieve if you are invisible to people who are looking for your solutions.
Your Website Automates The Sales Process
One of the main benefits for having a website is automating your selling process. Time is money and if you are manually taking transactions then you are losing both. I realise if you have a brick and mortar business then this is part of your business. To hear the cash register ring is a satisfying experience but it is quicker online.
People enter their credit card details on your checkout page a lot quicker. You can also have multiple transactions going through at the same time, so you just need to focus on fulfilment.
That process can also be automated if you have you website linked to a fulfilment house. Therefore 90% of the selling process is handled automatically by technology.
Moving your business online allows you to systemise your business. You can create lead generation systems that are connected to your website. Then you can create specific sales funnels that sell product after product automatically. Again, this can be linked to your website.
When set up correctly your website can be a hub that you bring people to and a selling machine. The important thing is to bring people your website and that involves digital marketing.
Use Your Website As A Magnet
So far, I have spoken about credibility, accessibility, and automation so it is time to think strategically. Your website is your presence online, your hub and your home to invite people to.
Now that you have it in place it can be used as a marketing tool for your business. There are many online marketing platforms that you can leverage to attract your ideal audience.
Each platform has their own unique techniques to create effective marketing campaigns from. You may use social media, search engines, YouTube, or content marketing to name a few. Your focus will be to bring people to your webpages and product offers.
When you get them to those pages you must ensure they feel confident in you and what you have to offer. Then make the navigation and systems easy to understand to give them the best experience possible.
You can do this because you are bringing people to a platform that you control 100%. These are the main reasons why small businesses need a website but there is one more.
Why Small Businesses Need A Website Is Because They Are Cost Effective
Your website is a place on the virtual high street. A place on a traditional high street will cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per month in rent. Utilities, insurance, and maintenance are expensive and must be added to the overall cost.
A website on the other hand can be maintained as a structure for under $100 year. All you need is a domain name, hosting platform and a website theme to structure the layout.
Payment processers such as PayPal or Stripe can be integrated, and they charge a small fee for transactions. It is advisable to integrate email marketing service providers to handle automated communication. This starts at around $15 per month.
Your Website Is An Important Element For Your Authority Business Model
Your website plays an important part in creating your authority business model. This is what I teach in my Build Your AU mastermind training program. The program helps you create your authenticity, authority, and audience for you business.
These are the three pillars I teach, and your website comes under the authority pillar. I can advise you on how to set up your website and subsequent website network. To learn more about the Build Your AU process click the image below to gain access to an exclusive training series.
You can also find out more about how the system works by clicking here. Hopefully, you now have clarity on why small businesses need a website to survive in a competitive environment. A website will give you the credibility you need, make you accessible and provide automation in your business.
Helping you build your authenticity, authority and audience.
Trish Davies
Build Your AU
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