In today’s digital age, it’s essential for small businesses to be online. Going digital can be confusing. There are many options to help you setup online from social media to email, advertising to small business websites and everything in between.
Of all of the options, one should stand out as the most important: a website.
I want to quickly give you three great reasons all small business owners should set up a professional small business websites to own their corner of the internet.
Control & Ownership of Your Business Assets
Having a website gives small business owners complete control (and ownership) over their corner of the internet. Unlike social media platforms, which can change their algorithms and features without warning, a website is entirely under your control. You have complete control over the design, content, and functionality of your website.
This control allows you to tailor your website to your customer’s needs. You can create a website that reflects your brand on your terms, showcase your products or services as you see fit, and share your story, your way for everyone who visits – not based on whether someone else decides if they’re interested.
Not all small business websites are created equally. There are proprietary DIY platforms like Squarespace and Wix that come with monthly fees and you can’t take your site with you if you leave the platform. Platforms like WordPress allow you to build and own your website – you aren’t bound to a service provider, host, nor theme. This saves money that can be better spent elsewhere.
People Search for Small Business Websites When Ready to Buy
When people are looking for products or services, they typically start with Google. While social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be helpful for promoting your business, people are more likely to search Google when they’re ready to make a purchase.
Having a website ensures that your business can be found (a robust SEO effort will help you be found first) is easily found by potential customers who are actively searching for the products or services you offer. By optimizing your website for search engines, you can improve your visibility and attract more qualified leads.
A website simply provides more information about your business in less restrictive ways than social media platforms. You can include detailed descriptions of your products or services, customer reviews, and pricing information on your website. You can tell your story – small businesses are the heart of communities there’s a story to be told that a website is best equipped to tell. This information inspires your customers to engage with your business and to support you.
Strong Small Business Websites Make a Great First Impression
Your website is often the first interaction potential customers have with your business. It’s crucial to make a good first impression. A professional, well-designed website can help establish trust and credibility with potential customers.
Additionally, having a website allows you to collect valuable data on your customers’ behavior and preferences. With tools like Google Analytics, you can track traffic to your website, see which pages are most popular, and learn how long people are staying on your site. This data can help you optimize your website to better meet the needs of your customers and improve your marketing efforts.
On the other hand, a poorly designed website can turn potential customers away. If your website looks outdated or is difficult to navigate, people may assume that your business is unprofessional or unreliable. This can have a negative impact on your reputation and bottom line.
The bottom line
Owning, controlling, investing in, and working to get the most out of small business website is essential. It gives small business owners control over their online presence, ensures that their business is easily found by potential customers, and helps establish trust and credibility. If you’re a small business owner who doesn’t yet have a website, it’s time to consider building one.
