How a Website Can Help Your Business
As a small business owner, you may think that having a website is not a huge priority. After all, you have a physical store location or service area, and most of your customers are locals who already know about you and your business. However, in today’s digital world, having a website is essential for every business. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of having a website and how a website can help your small business get new customers.
What is a Website?
Before we dive into the benefits of having a website, let’s first define what a website is. A website is a collection of web pages that are accessible on the internet. It can contain any information about your business, products or services, contact information, directions, a blog, a gallery of your work and so much more. Websites can be simple, with only a few pages, or complex, with numerous pages and different features for different needs. Websites allow businesses to connect with their customers for general information and help reach potential customers.
Benefits of Having a Website for Small Businesses
Now that we know what a website is, let’s look at the benefits a website can provide for businesses.
1. Increased Visibility and Credibility
Having a website makes it easier for potential customers to find you. When people search for a local business, they often turn to the internet for information. If you don’t have a website, you’re missing out on potential customers. In addition, having a website gives your business credibility (Forbes 2020). It shows that you’re a legitimate business and provides customers with a way to learn more about you. Your website could contain a gallery of videos or photographs of your business. For example, if you are a local landscaping company a gallery showcasing lawns or designs can help boost your credibility and show customers a real example of your work.
2. Increased Customer Reach
When people need a local service, typically, they will go to their smartphone or closest device to search for their needed service “near me” to find someone close and reputable. Optimizing your website for search engines and optimizing your Google Business Profile are some great ways to start building your local SEO. Gaining authority on your local SEO will help your website come up faster in local search results when customers search for a service near them.
3. Cost-effective Marketing
Compared to traditional advertising methods, a website is a cost-effective marketing tool. You can use your website to promote your business online, offer discounts or promotions for products and services, and provide valuable content to attract potential customers. In today’s digital world, just about every time someone is looking for your business or service near them they will go to a search engine to look it up so having a website is essential to compete with others in your industry.
4. 24/7 Availability
Unlike a physical store, a website is available 24/7. This means that potential customers can visit your website at any time, even outside your business hours. You can also use your website to provide customer support or answer frequently asked questions, even when your physical store is closed. Providing valuable information and content on your website will only help the user stay on your website longer and make it that much more likely they will interact with you or your brand again.
5. Better Customer Insights
A website allows you to track customer behavior, such as what pages they visit, how long they stay on your site, and what products or services they’re interested in. This information can help you improve your marketing strategies and tailor your products or services to meet customer needs. For example, if you are tracking popular areas on your website that drive traffic, you can utilize these topics for promotions or social media content. Another example is using on-site search analytics to track popularly searched terms and utilizing those keywords to build landing pages or email marketing content topics.
Website Design for Small Businesses
Now that we know the benefits of having a website, let’s look at website design for small businesses. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Keep It Simple
Your website doesn’t need to be complex or have a lot of bells and whistles. Keep it simple and easy to navigate. Your customers should be able to find what they’re looking for quickly and easily.
2. Mobile-Friendly Design
Many customers access the internet on their mobile devices. Your website should be mobile-friendly, with a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes.
3. Clear Call-To-Action
Your website should have a clear call-to-action that encourages customers to take action, such as making a purchase or contacting you for more information.
4. High-Quality Images
Use high-quality images that showcase your products or services. Poor-quality images can make your website look unprofessional. Also, if your images are not optimized for the web your website will run slower leading to more bounces away from your website.
5. Contact Information
Make sure your contact information and hours are easy to find on your website. Include your phone number, email address, and physical address if you have one for your customers or interested leads.
In today’s digital world, having a website is essential for any small business looking to gain a competitive edge. It provides increased visibility, increased customer reach, cost-effective marketing, 24/7 availability, and better customer insights. When designing your website, keep it simple, and mobile-friendly, with clear call-to-actions and high-quality images. If you are looking to take your business online or optimize and upgrade your current website, please reach out to our team at Pivot Web & Marketing to learn more!
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