Why should small businesses invest in a website?

Nov 26, 2020 | By Crayo Tech

Why should small businesses invest in a website?

Don’t you wish you had Harry Potter’s cloak of invisibility?

It’s something I often dream of owning. You’re there, but no one can see you.

However, I wouldn’t advise using it on your brand. Yet I fail to understand why so many small business owners are doing the exact same thing.

A survey by Clutch revealed that 46% of U.S. small businesses still don’t have a website. Not having a website practically means you are invisible.

I only hope that you are not one of them. But if you are, don’t feel bad. For whatever reason that was holding you back from developing your website before, you can’t delay it any longer.

If you’re wondering why it’s so important now more than ever, here is the logic behind my statement.

Reasons to invest in a website today

1. You’re missing the limelight

Who doesn’t love the spotlight? You’ve worked day and night to get your startup off the ground. But you’re not getting as many customers as you thought you would. That’s because you haven’t set the stage where you can showcase your products and services through images, videos, or blogs.

According to a Netsertive survey, almost 80% of consumers rely on the internet for research before making a large purchase.

And guess what, you’re not there. Now, if you had a website, your small business would be getting that much attention. (You’ll agree that’s an impressive amount.)

2. Gear up to face the competition

People anticipate finding a business that will resolve their problems and answer questions on the internet. So even if you’re not there, others are.

And since competition will only get more challenging in the digital landscape due to the pandemic, you need to secure a spot in a place where almost everyone is searching. And that’s Google, by the way.

3. Establish credibility

Six out of ten consumers believe business will provide information about the business in some form of digital content. More than half expect to find it on the brand’s website. Thus, a website aids in building credibility as well as trust with your customers.

Customer testimonials on your website can help boost credibility. Over 80% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, says Trustpilot.

4. Customers want more attention

Consumers are getting increasingly demanding. They look forward to a unique, personalized online experience. According to instapage.com, 80% of shoppers are more likely to buy products from a brand that offers personalized experiences.

Your website can help create the perfect one-on-one attention consumers want. For instance, in-depth product descriptions and videos can guide customers towards a purchase.

Chatbots can answer customer queries instantly. And with current data about recent search history and previously purchased items, you can offer personalized, relevant recommendations to match their preferences and tastes. 

5. Improve your bottom line

Did you know that your website has secret powers? As mentioned above, your website can significantly improve a customer’s online shopping experience simply through personalization.

But Mc Kinsey reports that product recommendations and communication channels with customers can help drive revenue by 5-15% and improve marketing efficiency by 10-30%.

6. Even local businesses need a website

According to BrightLocal, 86% of consumers rely on the internet to find a local business.

Well, that’s because people have access to information about everything through their smartphones while on the go- even for local businesses. And when you’re not listed anywhere, they simply move on to the next available one nearest to them.

7. Build a better brand image

Just like people used to expect a business to have a physical address, nowadays they presume brands own a website. Your website speaks volumes about you as an online brand.

Don’t trust me?

Let’s take a more in-depth look at what’s going on in your target audience’s mind.

So one that doesn’t have a website can raise eyebrows. Customers will wonder why you don’t have one. Either you don't care enough about your business to build a website, or you can’t afford it. Or worse, your business isn’t legitimate. All the same, it doesn’t produce a good impression about you.

8. Social media isn’t enough

Having a Facebook page may have been enough for running a business a decade ago. But despite this optimism, having a website has never been more crucial.

With different age groups active on various channels, you could be missing a chunk of the target audience that is not on the platform you are on. In these tough economic times, you can’t afford that.

To gain your brand's most significant benefit, your website should be the core of your online presence, while your social media account is used more as a marketing tool.

9. Understand your customers better

With the right web analytic tool, you can gather considerable amounts of data about people visiting your website. Whether they are your current customers or potential ones, you will be able to devise a better marketing approach depending upon the demographics, search habits, previous purchases, etc.

Nearly 70% of the sites on the internet are already using the free version of Google Analytics. It’s helping them identify and act on statistics-based customer and financial insights. While they are on the high road to success, where are you at the moment?

10. Expand operations

Statista reports that 75% of consumers now shop online at least once a month.

Through your website, you can offer more services such as extensive browsing options, advance booking services, delivery options, additional advice, etc. and create a complete consumer shopping package.

Final thoughts

Ecommerce is on the rise. You need to be available on the digital landscape. But don’t think that putting up a website solves your problems instantly. According to Hubspot, 38% of people will stop engaging with your website if its content or layout is unattractive.

Looks like you have some more work in the pipeline. But if your brand is as dear to you as I think it is, you won’t give up until you have everything spot on.

Ready to start planning the details of your website? Crayotech is here to help.

Talk to us and let’s get your project rolling!