Today’s consumers go online to search for products and services. If your small business’s physical store does not have a digital counterpart, you’re missing out on a minefield of marketing opportunities. Instead of being content with opening a brick-and-mortar store, open the doors of an online store by building a website for your small business.
From capturing web visitors and leads to building credibility, your website serves as an accurate representation of your business. Beyond that, it also serves as a powerful income-generating machine that guarantees new leads and customers.
Whether you choose to outsource your WordPress design services or build your own website, having an online platform for your business guarantees the following.
Answer Important Customer Questions
Your website answers customer queries. Most of the time, customers would rather check a business’ website instead of calling them for information. For example, if you are selling galvanized sheet metal, customers would prefer to check your website for the specs and images of the product.
Without a website, you might miss out on potential customers who are curious about your products and services.
Also, your website communicates both basic and fundamental things about your business: vision, mission, location, opening hours and more.
Better Visibility Online
Small businesses take a while before they become big box stores or known brand names. But even if you’re a micro-business or a start-up, the Internet can help you gain more visibility via your website. Millions of people are searching for businesses like yours. If you don’t have a website, how can they learn more about you?
A Powerful Sales Tool
Beyond just providing customers with basic information (address, hours and phone number) immediately, your website gives your small business an additional forum where you can address customer concerns and feedback. You can also offer consumers expanded information, as well as convince calls-to-action.
An Established and Ready-for Business Image
A well-designed business website can make a startup look and perform like a seasoned enterprise. When your website appears near the top of your search results pages (SERPs), because your navigation is easy-to-use and your layout and content are engaging, you’ll know your website has reached the standards of users and search engines.
Authority in Your Niche
When you create compelling content, you build your brand, as well as establish authority and authenticity with search engines and visitors. Customers only trust authoritative brands. And if they visit and trust you, buying from you is most likely their next step. Your articles, blogs, product descriptions and general information show that you own your subject and offer trustworthy information.
Easy-to-Use and Updated Platforms
If your website is properly maintained, it will always be updated with the recent algorithm changes and ranking factors. Time and skill are not pressing concerns. Even the busiest business owner can make edits and updates. You can also add a product or change dates whenever, wherever – as long as you have a stable Internet connection.
Should You Hire a Pro or Build a Website on Your Own?
Before, owners who wanted to create a business website had to put all their eggs in one basket and hire a professional web designer. Recently, however, more business owners are taking a hands-on approach on their website building project.
Whilst the thought of building your website might seem scary, if you can manage everyday programs on your computer, you are capable of using website builders to create your website. But before you decide on a DIY or Hire a Pro approach, consider the following factors:
- How tech-savvy are you? Drag-and-drop website builders enable you to edit, design and create a complete website without needing knowledge on touch codes or HTML. Building may take some time (and online resources) to master the website builder’s editor. If you have basic web development knowledge and are confident in handling codes, a DIY route is OK. But if you need help with the technical aspects of building a website, don’t hesitate to hire a pro.
- How much time do you have? The entire website design process needs more time on research, planning and building, as well as content preparation and maintenance.
With these in mind, be honest with yourself about the time you’re willing to invest in the project. If you have time to build the website (which could take a couple of days or weeks), build it. If you don’t, hire a website designer.
The smallest of small businesses can gain massive attention if they have a working and engaging website online. Don’t just disappear behind enterprises; stand out with a website that makes a big impact online.
