Having a presence on the web is no longer optional for businesses. The gradual shift to online shopping has made it necessary for even brick-and-mortar businesses to learn to compete in the digital marketplace.
More importantly, the limitations imposed by governments all over the world during this pandemic, means that customers literally have no choice but to make purchases off the internet.
The specific benefits of having a website differ from business to business. Forsome, it will result in additional marketing opportunities. Others will rank higher on search engines because of the traffic driven to their sites.
The rest of these businesses will be better off by just having their informationaccessible online. Even simple things like an address with directions and a map to your business can make a world of difference.
Here’s a deeper look at why a website makes a good business investment.
Good for marketing
Your business website will serve as the base of operations for all online marketing. It will help build your brand along; promote the services you offer and the products you have available.
A lot of SMEs think that a social media presence, like on Facebook or LinkedIn, is enough. While this does provide some access to the online world,it can come across as small-time and even unprofessional whenever a potential customer is searching for you on Google.
It’s good to utilize all the possible marketing avenues available to your budget, but a business website should be the foundation to build those on.
Sales and revenue driver
According to statistics, there were nearly 2 billion people who bought something online in 2019. Not surprising, considering how it takes significantly less work to make a purchase off the internet.
The convenience customers get by being on their sofa, on their smartphone, in their pajamas, and not having to spend time and effort getting ready and walking to find a shop is really enticing.
Getting sales is the lifeblood of a company, so in order to do that you need tobe where the customers go shopping. Chances are a lot of your customers are already online. So, make it easy for customers to find you by having a business website.
If they find your site, they are more likely to make a purchase, which could translate to a massive sales boost. People enjoy the comfort of their own homes to shop online. Either directly online or after seeing your site and the extra information that comes with, they can then decide to make a purchase from you.
Always accessible
Your online presence never sleeps so having a website allows your business to be accessible even when working hours are over. It allows you to cater to customers without any additional work or effort from yourself or your team.
Prime-time shopping hours for ecommerce are 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm, so you’ll want to have a place online where people can go to buy baby diapers, gardening supplies, or makeup products after dinner and before going to bed.
Nothing says you’re a modern company than having a professionally-made business website. It is what connects you more to your existing customers and helps new business come in. Because of your own professional site, yourcustomers are able to reach out to you conveniently.
Add that to all the great benefits a website brings to your business on a functional level and a sales level. It should be one of the first things a business of any size do, and its mission is critical if you want to move forward, or just want to make sure you don’t end up moving backward.