In this digital age, a business’s online presence has a huge impact on its success. Even if you’re opening a retail store, having an online website for your new business is as essential as it is beneficial.
Nowadays, customers visit your website before making a purchase. Having an attractive and engaging website will attract new visitors who will become new customers and increase your revenue.
However, many companies hesitate to set up a website because they feel they’re not techy enough to operate one. Also, they are not able to reconcile the need with the cost.
According to WebsiteBuilderExpert, the average cost of building a website is about $200. On top of that, $50 monthly for maintaining the website.
And it’s costlier if you hire a web developer.
The biggest question, especially for small start-ups, is… Is it worth it? The answer is a big resounding, YES! And I’ll tell you why.
Here are 8 reasons why your new business needs a website:
1. It Provides Social Proof
Social proof is a term that describes a phenomenon where people copy the actions of others. This is especially true in situations when we’re unsure how to behave or what to do.
Telling people about your product is all well and good. However, it is much more convincing when it comes from someone else—especially someone with no stake in the business.
According to research conducted by Fan and Fuel, customers want to read reviews of your products and how you handled the reviews.
According to their data, 97% of participants said that customer reviews played an important role in their buying decision, and 86% of people hesitate to do business with a company if it has negative online reviews.
Websites provide an effective way to display your best reviews and testimonials, such as the example below the help desk software that offers customer service tools.
These are excellent sources of social proof. They help convert visitors to your website into purchasers of your products.
This is a very effective way to get more customers for your new business.
2. Your Business Will Show Up in Google Search Results
Google processes over 3.5 billion searches every day. That is a whole lot of searches appearing in Google search results.
People go to Google when they’re looking for a product or service, and they use keywords, such as “best leather bags” or “cheapest camera smartphones.”
If you optimize your website for SEO, you’ll have a chance of appearing on the first page of SERPs over time.
If you don’t have a website, you limit your options for attracting potential customers, and you’ll lose a competitive edge.
3. It Increases Your Organization’s Credibility
Having a website makes your business look professional and legit.
This is especially important for new businesses as you compete with other pre-existing businesses. These other businesses already have clients that can verify their credibility.
The first thing a prospective customer does after hearing about your company is to look you up on the internet.
If what they find is a nice attractive website, it’ll give the impression that you are a serious brand. And this increases the chances that they’ll become a paying customer.
The thing about a website is that it doesn’t really show the size of your business. You can be a small startup or a big conglomerate, but they won’t know the difference if it’s a good website.
A website gives your business credibility with new clients.
4. Showcase Your Products and Services
Having a website allows you to provide a detailed display of your products and services. Whether it’s an outline of beautiful photos of your services or short videos and downloadable PDFs, this is a proven way to attract your customers and give them more than enough reason to look no further.
Take a look at how Oxgn fashion accomplishes that.
Having an online store won’t limit you from selling to customers in your area. Most websites extend your business to people all over the world.
On top of that, they can look through your items at any time. Whether it’s day or night, your store is always open!
5. It Increases Your Brand Visibility
Your brand defines who you are and what you represent. When customers need to purchase your products or services, you’ll be the name that comes to mind.
Having a strong brand awareness clearly sets you apart and allows you to stand out from your competitors.
This is especially vital when you are starting a business. One of the most important things you need as a new business is to carve out your niche in the market.
A website provides visibility for your brand once you get noticed on search engines. You can also earn revenue when you run click Ads or do affiliate marketing.
6. It Ensures Your Success in the Long Run
Sure, you may think you have no use for a website because you are just starting.
However, it is important to know that you are setting yourself up for the long run.
Business success is a marathon, not a 100-meter dash.
The earlier you realize this, the earlier you can implement a winning strategy.
A website helps you lay a foundation for creating lasting relationships with your clients.
It makes your interaction with possible customers and suppliers easier.
A website is an investment in the future of your business.
7. It Increases Your Chances of Getting Leads
For those of you who might not be familiar with the lingo, a lead is a prospective client or customer.
A website positions you to interact with many more leads than you would have without it.
Your website is your online shop. Unlike a physical shop, your online shop can be open 24/7 without much supervision.
8. Having a Website Will Help Save Time
A website provides customers with answers to questions most frequently asked.
Right from the home page, your website describes what your business is about. This includes what you stand for, what you are known for, and what services you offer.
This is a huge time saver for new businesses. This is because you usually don’t have as many regular customers to start with. The new customers checking you out for the first time will obviously have a lot of questions.
The website helps answer most of these questions.
Conclusion
Having a website today in this age of technology is literally a must, especially for new businesses trying to enter an industry and compete with other businesses.
It may cost you, but trust me, it is well worth it.
Over to you.
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