When social media seems to rule the online world for marketing, advertising and selling, many business ask themselves, “Why do I even need a website? I’m getting most of my customers from Instagram (or other platform).” Because of this, many businesses try to convince themselves they don’t need a website in order to save the cost of investing in their business further.

But I’d like to ask a slightly different question: How much business do you think you might be passing up on by not having a website?” Yes, a website is an investment, but it’s an investment that pays for itself many times over. Imagine increasing your sales tenfold or even being able to raise your prices because you’re fully-booked!

I’ll help answer that question. Studies show that 70-80% of consumers still visit a website in their research before making a purchase decision. And in the post-covid world, when the increase in online sales skyrocketed, having an online home is even more important for countless reasons.

There has never been a better or more important time to have a website. A website offers so many benefits, benefits that quite simply, help to increase your bottom line and make you more money. Not convinced? Here are five reasons why a website is a must for your business.

1. INCREASES YOUR CREDIBILITY

It builds credibility. It makes you look like a successful business; and a business that looks successful means that countless consumers having trusted you with their investment and have been happy with their purchasing decision. Without a website, consumers might question the legitimacy of your business and won’t feel the confidence necessary to hand their money over to you. After all, there are countless other options/businesses to choose from. Better to go with the one that looks the most credible.

2. GET FOUND IN GOOGLE SEARCH

People still use search engines to find what they need. How many of us use Google daily? Studies show that most people still turn to Google over social media to find information. Think about it. “Social” networks are to socialize and make connections with your target audience, but website is a way to provide more detailed information. A website also gives you more tools and access for search engine optimization (SEO). SEO is absolutely necessary to appearing on the first page of Google and reaching an even broader audience through organic traffic.

3. INCREASES CONVERSIONS

Studies show that multiple connections and interactions are necessary to convert a client, upwards of at least eight interactions. Do you buy from a business the first time you come across them? Probably not. You’ve probably seen them around a few times, start to recognize who they are and what they sell, make an emotional connection to what they stand for, and recognize that they can solve a problem for you when it arises. Your sales funnel and customer journey may start on social media or Google, but it can end at your website, or at least continue through your website. A conversion is when you hook a consumer; which means they taken an action that you want them to take. This could be signing up to your email list, sending you an inquiry for your services, making a purchase online or booking an appointment or booking a table in your restaurant. If your customer journey stops at social media, then you’re losing out on making more of those much needed connections and interactions.

4. SHOWCASE WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU SELL

A website is like job interview or resume. It’s a space where you can introduce yourself, describe your goals, outline your values, showcase your products and services, describe how what you sell is beneficial, and highlight customer testimonials (thus building your credibility and professionalism). It’s place for a consumer to decide if you’re the right business for the job.

5. 24/7 ACCESS

Stores, offices, restaurants, salons and many other businesses operate on set business hours, but your website is available 24 hours a day. We all lead very busy lives in today’s world, and the time that a consumer has to make purchasing decisions could be at odd hours when your business is not actually open. Think about it, how many of us browse, research and make purchases late at night from our bed on our phones? Many businesses also get calls and inquiries for very basic information. Time is money and a website can reduce customer service, or make it more efficient and accessible, allowing you to increase internal productivity. At the same time, customers who can find useful information easily without needing to call or email will have an much better and happier experience.

6. YOUR COMPETITORS HAVE ONE

I can just about guarantee you that most of your competitors have a website. In today’s online world, consumers have unlimited options of where to spend their money. Staying ahead of the competition in every way possible is key to continued success. Again, perception is everything. If you look more successful, look more credible, and look like you’re a leader in the industry, you have a much higher chance than a competitor of gaining a new customer.

7. IT’S THE KEY TO GOOD MARKETING

If you plan on marketing your business in anyway, especially in advertising your business on social media or Google ads, to increase your leads and grow your business, you’ll likely want to drive consumers to a website in order to keep them in your sales funnel. Attention is fleeting on social media, where there are countless distractions from other businesses. Imagine having a shop, with a consumer standing outside the door, but all your competitors are standing in their way holding sale signs. That’s what social media marketing can be like. If you can using marketing to drive a consumer to your website, you’ll have their undivided and focused attention to say whatever you like

8. COST EFFECTIVE

Many business sometimes reject the idea of needing a website because they think it’s going to cost them more money. But as we’ve discussed above, there are many reasons why any investment into a website, especially a well-designed conversion-focused website, will bring a return on that investment many times over. In this, I ask, “How can you afford not to have website?” Also, consider the cost of brochures, flyers and other means of advertising to promote your business can become expensive. A website is much more convenient, easily updatable as information changes (rather than having to pay for a new print run), and saves you both time and money in the long term.

In summary, if you’re looking to compete in the market and against your competitors, you have to have an website. Think of it as your online home – a place where you get to invite guests over to introduce them to your brand and what you have to offer. Consumers are adapting and changing their expectations in the digital world, and so should you.

Contact Veda Branding today for a free 20-minute website consultation to discuss your needs and how we might solve some problems for you.