Why You Absolutely Need a Website for Your Business in the Digital Age

Do You Really Need a Website for Your Business?

Sometimes business owners wonder, "Do I really need a website when I'm already on social media or when I have a Google Business Profile?" Well, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's chat about why having a website is an absolute must in today's digital marketing landscape.

"97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else." (Source: SEO Tribunal)

A colorful storefront with a green sign.

Your Digital Storefront

Imagine your website as your business's swanky storefront on the bustling street of the internet. It's the first place people look when they want to learn about your products or services. Having a well-designed website helps you make that crucial first impression, just like a well-arranged shop window.

According to Nectafy, "88% of consumer local business searches on a mobile device either call or visit the business "97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else." (Source: SEO Tribunal)within 24 hours."

It's Where Everyone's At

According to Qualtrics, as a result of the pandemic, "more than 75% of consumers took a new interest in online activities in 2020. Of those, 21% purchased a product online for the first time."

People are online, and that's where people shop. That's a number that will only go up as time goes on and younger generations take root in the consumer market and shopping online becomes more and more convenient.

Credibility and Professionalism

In the digital age, trust is currency. A professionally crafted website exudes credibility. It says, "Hey, we're legit!" When potential customers Google your business and see a sleek website pop up, it reassures them you're the real deal.

According to Fit Small Business, "62% of people will ignore a business without a website," and according to Graffiti9, "75% of consumers admit to making judgements on a company's credibility based on the company's website design."

It Works While You Sleep

Your website doesn't take coffee breaks or sleep. It's open for business 24/7. This means that customers can access information about your offerings, browse your portfolio, or make inquiries even when you're catching some Zs.

Control Over Your Brand

Your website is your playground. You can infuse your brand's personality, style, and story into every nook and cranny of your site. It's the one place online that you get to tell your story in the way you want it to be told.

Your website also gives you control over whether people can find you if something changes on social media or with Google. About a decade ago, before Facebook introduced advertising, small businesses were thriving on the platform, so much so they didn't need to look anywhere else for customers. Then Facebook changed its algorithms in preparation of releasing advertising options and suddenly all of those businesses lost access to their clientele. Thousands of people went out of business because they hadn't established a presence anywhere else online and had no other way to contact their customer-base.

SEO Magic

An image of a analytics page displaying total clicks, total impressions, average CTR and Average position along with a graph.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is your website's secret sauce. It's how you tell search engines, "Hey, we've got something valuable here!" By optimizing your website's content and structure, you can improve your chances of showing up in those coveted top search results.

The Social Media Synergy

Here's the beautiful part: your social media and Google Business page are designed to send people to your website. When talking about marketing funnels, your social media and Google Business page are the top of the funnel where leads enter. Your website is the middle where you build trust, nurture and convert yours leads into customers. Without the website, leads seeing your brand online may never reach the next steps in the customer buying journey.

According to Hubspot, "72% of consumers that did a local search visited a store within five miles."

Analytics Insights

Website analytics allow you to track visitor behavior, figure out which pages are most popular, and even see where people drop off. This data is like a treasure trove of insights to fine-tune your marketing strategies. They provide insight into your target market in an all new way.

A womanos arm in a burnt yellow sleave, holds a phone against a white wall. Painted on the white wall is a notification box with the number 1 and a heart symbol, representing a social media like.

Global Reach, Local Love

Whether you're a local bakery or an e-commerce giant, your website has global reach. It can attract not only local customers but also those from far-flung corners of the world. Plus, you can add local SEO strategies to ensure your neighbors find you first.

"4 in 5 consumers use search engines to find local information." (Source: Think with Google)

Ready to Dive In?

In a nutshell, your website is your business's digital avatar. It's your online hub, your 24/7 sales rep, and your ultimate branding tool. In today's fast-paced, ever-connected world, having a website isn't just beneficial; it's essential for reaching and engaging your audience effectively.

So, if you're still on the fence about getting a website, it's time to take that leap. Your business will thank you for it!

Not sure how to go about it? Check out my website design services and portfolio.