There are a lot of reasons why your business needs to get a website even if it is not a tech-based company. Most people view information via the internet so it makes perfect sense to have a presence there even if your entire business is offline.
Here are 11 reasons why your business needs a website:
1. Your competitors have websites
More than half of all Australian businesses have an online presence which includes having a website. Your competitors are most likely included on that list. Don’t be left behind and loss out on the benefits of being online whilst your competitors reap all the rewards from having a better online strategy than you. There are many time-poor consumers out there who check online before they go in-store. You don’t want to lose those customers to a competitor just because they have a website whilst you don’t.
2. Your customers expect it
Have you ever Google’d a business to learn more only to be frustrated because they didn’t have a website? You’re not alone as many consumers now check online to find out more information about a business. Over 85% of purchasers use the Internet to research products that are for sale.
3. Adds credibility and social proof
When you view a company with an amazing website, they appear more professional and trustworthy. Having reviews on Google, Facebook or another popular review website helps provide a layer of trust for the consumer due to the recommendation of previous/existing customers. It is also one of the reasons why you should utilise social media marketing in conjunction with having a website.
Read: Why your business needs to use social media marketing
4. Attract new customers
A nice website and a well oiled social media presence will help attract customers cost-effectively. 85% of Australians use the internet at some capacity. 90% of those who have purchased something, or contacted a company, online in the last 12 months. So by not having a website, you will be missing out on a big piece of the online pie.
Read: How to add value to your business
5. Show product and service offerings
Do you have a special service or a unique product line? Don’t hide them from the public. You should show them off online so everyone can see. Customers are more likely to buy from you if they can do research on your offerings at their own convenience.
6. Direct marketing via a newsletter
You can market directly to your mailing list and direct your existing customers to promotions on your website. This technique is much more effective when you have a website. The cost of doing this is quite low per email blast and can be extremely rewarding if you have a great promotion to back up the marketing campaign.
7. Control your business’s online image
By having a website, you can control your websites’ online PR rather than leaving it to the online gods. You can control what is on your website, its content so that it is a representation of your business.
8. Create a professional email address
By having a website, you can create an email that has your website name as its domain. Rather than having a Gmail or Outlook account as your business email, you can have a professional info@yourwebsite.com.au.
9. Always online 24/7
A website will be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Being available to provide information to your customers all the time is a huge advantage especially if your business has limited opening hours in its physical location. There are some customers who won’t be able to access you in-store due to time constraints, so having a place for them to make an inquiry overnight is extremely advantageous.
10. Low barrier to entry
Building a website does not require ridiculous sums of money. In fact, it can be extremely cost-effective and there is a low barrier to entry due to the cost-effective content management systems out there. The ongoing hosting and management costs can also be very cost-effective. Cost should not be a deterrent for not having a website.
11. Resource for your staff
Having all your services and products on your website could help to act as a resource for your staff members.
Having a website is like being listed in the phone book in the 20th century
We’re sure you know that having a website is important and didn’t need to go through our 11 reasons to know that. Don’t wait until you’re the only website that’s only offline, start building your online presence today! For local SEO optimisation or web design services in Australia, check out our digital agency partner Sitelabs.com.au.