Clients Expect You to Have a website
Whether your website is for informational purposes or transactional customers expect a business to have a website. Today, most people start their shopping by looking online. This means if you run a business, having a website is really important. It’s like having an open sign on your shop that people can see from anywhere, anytime. A salesperson who is available to answer their questions and concerns 24/7 and 365 days a year.
What makes a website relevant?
- 97% of customers say websites influence their purchases (Hubspot).
- 91% of customers visited a store after interacting with an online website (LinkedIn).
- 97% of people learn about a local business online (SEO Tribunal).
- 95% of all shopping will be done online by 2040 (Instapage).
Getting notice early:
Early-stage businesses face the challenge of generating leads and new customers. Creating a website for your business not only gives you an online presence but one that you can control and own the data collected. A consumer will rarely buy a product or service at first glance. Businesses and consumers are doing their due diligence these days.
The internet is usually the first place people go to look for something they need. Without a website, you’re missing out on a chance to show people what you offer and why they should buy from you. A website is your chance to make a great first impression and tell your story your way. You can build and establish a business while narrowing your focus on who you best serve as an audience. The reach of a business far exceeds the local and surrounding neighborhoods these days. By leveraging the internet and website you can find more of your ideal customers without the same level of effort it used to take.
Simply put, having a website makes your business look serious and trustworthy. It’s a big part of getting people to know about you and what you do. So, setting up a good website is a significant step when starting a business. Remember, if people can’t find you online, they might not think you’re a real business. And we don’t want that!
Credibility
In the business world, looking professional and trustworthy is key. Think of a website as your digital business card. It’s often the first thing people see about your business, and you want to make a good impression.
Why a Website Makes You Look Good:
- Having a website is like having a well-organized, clean store, but online. It tells people, “Hey, we’re a serious business!”
- By sharing a space that you can be found it adds a layer of trust for the audience. They know where they can find you if they have follow-up questions or concerns.
- Answering Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) shows you’ve put thought into your solution and know your audience’s needs.
- Over 80% of people believe a business with a website is more credible than one with only a social media page. It’s like choosing between a pop-up stand and a full-fledged store. The store feels more legit, right?
Building Your Professional Image from Day One:
- Your website is a great tool to show what your brand is all about. It’s not just about selling things; it’s about creating an image and a vibe that people remember.
- A well-designed website can tell your business’s story, showcase your products or services, and even share customer testimonials. All these pieces work together to build trust.
- A good website also means you’re up-to-date. In today’s world, people expect businesses to have an online presence, and not having one might make them wonder if you’re behind the times.
Key Takeaway: Think of your website as your business’s handshake. It needs to be firm, and confident, and make the other person feel good about doing business with you. For small business owners, especially when you’re just starting, a website is an essential step in showing the world that you mean business. Remember, in a world where people Google before they shop, your website is your chance to tell them, “We’re here, and we’re awesome!”
Lead Generation
When you have a business, finding new customers (or “leads”) is a necessity for a profitable business. A website helps to answer the questions that visitors may have throughout the purchase decision-making process. This is also known as the Customer Journey. You can learn more about the customer journey by reading The Power of the Customer Journey: Why it Matters and How to Make it Work for You
How Websites Help Get Customers:
- A website is like a magnet for customers. It helps people find you when they’re searching online for something you offer.
- With the right words and setup (that’s SEO, or search engine optimization), your website can pop up when people search on Google. This is a big deal because most people start their shopping journey online.
- Imagine this: when someone types “best [your product/service] near me” into Google, your website can be one of the first they see. That’s like being at the front of a very long line!
Understanding Your Customers Better:
- Your website isn’t just about selling stuff; it’s also about listening. You can use your website to get feedback from customers, which helps you understand what they like or don’t like.
- This feedback is gold for making your products or services even better. It’s like having a conversation with your customers.
- By tracking what people do on your website (like which pages they visit the most), you get clues about what they’re interested in. This helps you focus on what’s working and fix what’s not.
Statistically Speaking:
- 68% of B2B businesses have strategic landing pages specifically for lead generation (Blog Wizard)
- Companies with a blog generate 67% more leads than companies without one. (Blog Wizard)
- 74% of companies use web forms for lead generation, with 49.7% stating their online forms are their highest converting lead generation tool. (WP Forms)
- 3% of your target audience is actively buying, 56% aren’t ready, and 40% are getting ready to begin. (WP Forms)
When using social media platforms, you’re providing data and leads to the platform. You don’t own the data and you have limits to how you can interact with the audience. Over 70% of companies believe that collecting customer data directly from their website improves the quality of their marketing efforts.
The Bottom Line: A website is a powerful tool for growing your business. It doesn’t just help people find you; it also gives you insights into what they want. This means you can tailor what you offer to meet their needs better. For small businesses, especially ones just starting, this can make a huge difference in attracting and keeping customers. Remember, your website is working even when you’re not – it’s always out there drawing in new customers and collecting valuable info.
Marketing
Having a website is like having a super tool in your digital marketing toolbox. It’s not just about showing what you sell; it’s about connecting with your customers and getting them excited about your business.
Why Websites Are Great for Marketing:
- 81% of shoppers research a business online before making a purchase (Sales Lion) This means your website is often the first place they’ll learn about you.
- The creation of pages on your website that align with the social media and digital marketing strategies is known to boost sales and website traffic.
Making the Most of Your Budget:
- For small businesses, especially those just starting, money can be tight. Here’s the good news: a website is a cost-effective way to market your business. The goal is to leverage marketing efforts to drive the target audience to your business website.
- Unlike traditional advertising, which can be pricey, a website is an investment in a sales tool that keeps working for you 24/7. Similarly, the better the choices you make with your website. The better the results that you can expect from the audience interacting with it. Hire the best website/salesperson for the job and goals you have in mind.
- With a website, you can reach a lot of people without spending a lot of cash. And the more people who visit your site, the more potential customers you have.
Getting More for Your Marketing Dollar:
- By using your website smartly, you can target the right people with the right message. For example, if you know your customers love a particular product, you can showcase it on your website.
- Small businesses that have an online presence see an average of 15–50% growth in revenue. Organic search gets B2B businesses 2x more revenue than any other channel. (Site Builder Report) This is huge, especially when you’re trying to compete in your market. Marketing can help you make your mark in the business world.
Final Thought: Your website is a key part of your marketing strategy. It helps people find you, learn about you, and decide to buy from you. And the best part? It does all this without breaking the bank. So, if you’re a small business owner, think of your website as a smart investment that’ll help your business grow.
Compete in Your Market
In today’s fast-paced digital world, having a website is crucial for staying competitive, especially for small businesses. The website helps businesses highlight the differences and competitive advantages they offer to their audience.
Staying Competitive Online:
- In the digital age, customers expect to find businesses online. Nearly three-quarters of small businesses already have a website (Fit Small Business)
- Without a website, your business might get overlooked in favor of those that have an online presence. It’s about being where your customers are – and that’s online. As the saying goes “You have to be in it to win it.” The goal is to provide the audience with every bit of information needed to win the business over your competitors.
Leveling the Playing Field:
- A website can help small businesses compete with larger ones. It’s like having a storefront in the busiest part of town but without the high rent.
- Even if your business is small, a well-designed website can give the impression of a larger, established company, helping to build trust with potential customers.
Expanding Reach and Opportunities:
- A website isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s a networking hub. It can help you connect with other businesses, potential partners, and even investors. 85% of small businesses say word-of-mouth referrals are the number one way that new audiences and prospects learn about them. As a business, you can compete against larger companies by having customers who sing your praises to other people in need.
- 44% of small businesses with no website plan to create one to increase their visibility (Top Design Firms)
- . This shows how critical a website is for expanding your business reach.
Subcategory: Networking and Visibility:
- Having a website boosts your visibility not just locally, but potentially globally. It opens doors to markets you might not have been able to reach otherwise.
- It also provides opportunities to showcase your products or services to a broader audience, potentially leading to new partnerships and collaborations.
Final Thought: In the digital marketplace, not having a website can put your business at a significant disadvantage. A website helps level the playing field, giving you a fighting chance against bigger competitors. It’s a tool for visibility, networking, and ultimately, growth. For any small business looking to make its mark, a website is not just an option; it’s a necessity.
Pricing
In the business world, how you set and display your prices can greatly influence customer trust and satisfaction. Your website plays a crucial role in this. Learn more about setting your pricing by reading The Art of Pricing: How to Command the Price You Deserve.
Transparency and Trust:
- Customers value transparency, especially when it comes to pricing. Displaying your prices clearly on your website helps build trust. It also helps to remove people who are basing their buying decisions on price.
- Studies show that around 80% of consumers appreciate transparency in pricing and are more likely to trust a business that offers it (Forbes)
Justifying Your Prices:
- Your website gives you a platform to explain your pricing. You can share the story behind your products or services, the quality, the effort, and the value they offer. When people see the money and effort that goes into the website. It limits the questions about pricing and the cost of doing business because they can see the money is going into the user experience, website, and business.
- This approach helps customers understand why your prices are set the way they are, making them more willing to pay for the value they’re receiving.
Enhancing Customer Satisfaction:
- When customers know what to expect in terms of pricing, they feel more satisfied with their purchase decisions.
- Clear pricing on your website can reduce confusion and potential dissatisfaction, leading to happier customers and fewer complaints or returns.
Final Thought: Your website isn’t just a place to list your products and services; it’s an opportunity to communicate the value and justify your pricing. Transparent pricing not only builds trust but also enhances customer satisfaction, both of which are vital for the success of your business. Remember, a satisfied customer is more likely to become a repeat customer.
Information and Company Updates
In today’s fast-paced world, keeping your customers informed is key to maintaining a good relationship with them. Your website plays a crucial role in sharing updates and news about your business. Think of the times when a company made changes that you weren’t aware of and didn’t receive notification about. How did that leave you feeling about the company? It can create a bad experience that costs a business a loyal and valued customer.
Keeping Customers in the Loop:
- A website acts as a central hub for all your latest news and updates. Whether it’s new product launches, service changes, or company news, your website is where customers expect to find this information.
- 73% of small businesses use their website to communicate with customers (Zippia)
Immediate and Direct Communication:
- Unlike social media or third-party platforms, your website is a direct line between you and your customers. You have complete control over the content and how it’s presented.
- Updates on your website can be detailed and comprehensive, providing customers with all the information they need.
Building a Connection with Your Audience:
- Regularly updating your website with fresh content, such as blog posts or news articles, keeps customers engaged and returning to your site.
- This consistent engagement helps build a deeper connection with your audience, turning casual visitors into loyal customers.
Final Thought: Your website is your digital megaphone. It’s where you announce what’s new and exciting in your business. By keeping it updated, you ensure that your customers always have the latest information at their fingertips. This not only keeps them informed but also reinforces their trust in your brand. For any business, large or small, a website is an invaluable tool for communication and customer engagement.
Administrative Benefits
A website isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s also a powerful asset in streamlining your business operations and enhancing customer service. The administrative benefits of owning and running a website tends to get overlooked. The website serves as a hub for not only the target audience but for the business as well. It is a place where you can gather and store information that moves you along the path toward your business goals.
Always Open for Business:
- One of the biggest advantages of having a website is its round-the-clock accessibility. Your website is like a 24/7 storefront, always open to provide information and support to customers.
- This constant availability means customers can find what they need from your business at any time, whether it’s midnight or early morning.
Making Customer Service Easier:
- A website can take some of the load off your customer service team. With features like FAQs, chatbots, and contact forms, a lot of customer queries can be handled automatically.
- Studies show that implementing chatbots can lead to a 30% reduction in customer service costs while improving efficiency (GMS World)
Growing with Your Business:
- One of the best things about a website is its ability to grow and change as your business does. It’s scalable and flexible.
- Whether you’re expanding your product line, entering new markets, or changing your services, your website can adapt quickly to reflect these changes.
- About 44% of businesses with no website plan to create one to support their growth (Top Design Firms)
Final Thought: In essence, a website is like a multi-functional team member. It’s there to help your customers anytime, handle many of their questions on its own, and grow along with your business. For small businesses, especially those in their early stages, these administrative benefits can be a game-changer, saving time and resources while enhancing customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored throughout this article, a website is much more than just an online placeholder for your business. It’s a dynamic tool that opens up a world of opportunities, especially for small businesses in their early stages. Let’s recap the key points:
- Clients Expect It: In the digital age, customers look online first. Having a website meets this expectation and puts you where your customers are looking.
- Credibility: A website lends legitimacy to your business, making you appear more professional and trustworthy.
- Lead Generation: Your website is a powerful magnet for attracting potential customers, and it’s working for you around the clock.
- Marketing and Visibility: A website is a cost-effective way to market your business and extend your reach beyond local boundaries.
- Competing in Your Market: In the competitive digital landscape, a website is essential for keeping up with or even outdoing your competitors.
- Pricing and Communication: A website allows for transparent pricing and effective communication of your business updates and news.
- Administrative Benefits: Your website can streamline operations, improve customer service, and evolve with your business.
A website is not just a necessity in today’s market; it’s a strategic tool for growth and customer engagement. It’s an investment that pays off in terms of visibility, credibility, and ultimately, profitability.
Call to Action
Ready to take your business to the next level? Learn about my Profitable Business Assessment that helps prepare early-stage businesses for their business journey. I take a look at the business model, and help you put together a brand and marketing strategy. The deliverable is a brand brief you can hand to your website designer and have it answer the tougher questions about what’s needed for the website and to hit your goals.
Whether you’re tech-savvy or new to the digital world, there are resources and tools available to help you create a website that reflects your business and its values. Take advantage of my coaching services. Book a free consultation and let’s discuss your business and goals. Remember, your website is an extension of your business, so it’s important to invest the time and resources necessary to make it shine. Don’t let the digital wave leave you behind. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your business to a global audience. Unlock the potential for incredible growth and customer connection.
Update: I recently updated this article (1.29.24) to ensure it includes the latest statistics and strategies for small businesses. Stay tuned for more up-to-date content!
