Does Your Small Business Actually Need a Website?
Not having a website for your business is kind of like opening a store without a sign.
You wouldn't believe how many rising entrepreneurs push off building a website, thinking it's not that important, can be done later, or maybe isn’t even needed.
Cringe.
It’s something that honestly perplexes me because one of the first things you do when you start your business is give it a name. And if you’re really smart, you grab up the usernames for your business name on Instagram and other platforms to ensure that a.) nobody else is using it and b.) nobody else can take it. Of course you should also register your business name and ensure it’s not already taken before you do ANYTHING else. But you should ALSO purchase a domain name for your business too. Because you know what would be the worst?
What would be the worst is if when I named my business “Simply Sophie Designs” in college, somebody had taken that name already for their website domain. THAT would have been a big problem. I waited 2 years to build a website design for my business. If I could go back and change that I would!
Your business name is a big part of your brand, and having the same name for your business and domain makes it so much easier for people to find you online.
That’s not the only reason why your business needs a website. Buckle up because by the end of this blog post you’re gonna be wondering why you haven’t worked with a web designer before.
Here are some reasons why not having a website is costing your business time, money, and loyal customers:
Your competitors will have more credibility than you
In our tech-savvy world, having a website is like giving your business a friendly wave to potential customers. Folks often check out your online digs to see if you're legit. A snazzy website can be like a shiny badge of honor that shows you're serious about your work and care about your customers.
On the flip side, businesses without a website may seem a bit sketchy. This can make potential customers a little wary, and they might decide to hang out with competitors who have a strong online game instead. So, a website isn't just your business's online home—it's also a trusty sidekick that helps you woo your audience.
You’re Making it Difficult for People to Buy From You
Having a website means your business is always ready for a visit, day or night. This means customers from all walks of life and all corners of the globe can stop by when it suits them. You'll be there, ready to show off your products or services.
Without a website, your business is stuck in the 9-to-5 grind. Potential customers might miss out if they're browsing outside these hours. For example, someone who works the graveyard shift might not have the chance to drop by your physical location or give you a ring during regular hours. But with a website, they can still get to know you, check out your offerings, and even shop, making sure you don't miss out on any opportunities.
You’re limiting your chances of getting in front of your ideal customer
Without a website, your business's online presence shrinks, making it harder to get noticed. These days, people jump on the internet to find what they need. If you don't have a website, you might not show up in their searches, and that's a missed chance to make a new friend (or customer).
But a strong online presence is more than just a beacon guiding customers to your business. It also lets you build your brand online. A website gives you a stage to tell your business's story, show off your products or services, and chat with customers. Without a website, these important brand-building activities become a lot trickier.
You’re missing out on one of your biggest marketing opportunities
A website is like a megaphone for shouting about your products or services. Without one, your marketing efforts are a little muffled. Your website is a central hub where you can show off what you've got, share your mission and values, and captivate visitors with your amazing content. Plus, it lets you control how your business is seen and ensures your message is delivered just right.
And it doesn't stop there—a website opens up a whole world of digital marketing possibilities. You can make it search engine friendly to attract organic traffic from people hunting for products or services like yours. You can host a blog to share valuable content with your audience and boost your online visibility. And you can link up with social media to reach more people, connect on a personal level, and steer more traffic to your site. Without a website, you're missing out on these fantastic ways to reach more people and help your business grow.
You’re not thinking about your customer’s experience with you (even if you feel like you are)
An awesome feature of a business website is the help it can offer. A well-built website can be a one-stop-shop for customers to find important info like how to reach you, when you're open, what you offer, and answers to common questions. Having this info right at their fingertips can make their experience even better and help them feel supported.
But a website can do way more than just share info. It can have cool features like live chat, contact forms, and feedback sections. These allow customers to chat with you, get their questions answered in a snap, and share their thoughts. Without a website, businesses might make it tougher for their customers to get the help they need, which could lead to a dip in customer loyalty and maybe even revenue.
You’re missing out on real sales opportunities
Without a designing a website, your business is missing out on the chance to make online sales. This is a big drawback, especially as more folks are shopping online for convenience and choice. Even if your business is primarily a brick-and-mortar setup, not offering an online shopping option can mean you're only reaching folks who can drop by your store.
Plus, having an online sales option can give your revenue a nice boost. It means your business is always open, not just during regular store hours, and you can reach customers who aren't just around the corner. This could lead to more sales than you might see with a physical store alone. And selling products or services online also opens up opportunities for new marketing strategies, like targeted online ads or social media campaigns, giving you even more chances for high sales.
Looking for a squarespace website designer?
If you don’t have a website design yet for your business, we need to chat. Your small business dreams are worth investing in, and you can consider me your biggest cheerleader!
Click here to learn more about how we’ll create the most outstanding website for you that your business truly deserves so you can start raking. it. in.
Click here to schedule your virtual coffee chat with me so we can dive in!
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Simply Sophie Designs helps female-led small businesses go from a stressful “do-it-all” marketing approach to having a memorable brand, strategic website, and results-driven launch support that boosts their growth beyond what they once thought was possible.