Why Do You Need a Website?
Almost all consumers (97%) now use the internet before making a purchase to research available products and services. By typing just a few keywords into Bing, Google, or Yahoo, a customer can quickly access websites with relevant information about the products and services that interest them.
If your company doesn’t have a website, you have likely asked yourself:
“Do I really need a website?” Even if it seems like your company is thriving without one, there are many reasons why a web presence is essential.
6 Compelling Reasons Why You Need a Website
Everyone expects you to have one
Potential customers are looking for you online
Everyone wants quick answers to basic questions
Everyone uses your website to engage with your business
Consumers do more than just shop online
Everyone sees both you and your competition
1. Everyone expects you to have one
The simplest answer to “Do I need a website?” is this: People expect it. In the digital age, people assume that if your business exists, your information should be online.
Your audience expects an online presence, and simply having a Facebook page won’t cut it anymore. If someone searches for your company and finds nothing, they will view your business as less professional and less trustworthy, making them hesitant to become clients.
Potential customers are looking for you online
Imagine two friends, John and Mark, having coffee. John tells Mark about your company and highly recommends your products. When Mark gets home, he decides to look you up to learn more. He searches for your company name but cannot find a website.
Even though he trusts his friend, he still feels uncertain because he can’t find a page to verify your expertise. This scenario happens every day to businesses without a website. You need a website because people are actively looking for you. Whether through a recommendation or by driving past your location, people will search for you online. Without a site, these potential customers miss out on valuable information.
Consider this fact: 93% of online experiences begin with a search.
Everyone wants quick answers to basic questions
One of the most important reasons to create a website is that potential customers want information fast. Are you overwhelmed by phone calls asking about your working hours, special offers, or how your business works? If so, it’s time to build a website.
By providing information on your site, you save your company from answering the same basic questions repeatedly. A website allows you to publish:
Hours of operation
Special offers
Products and services
Pricing
Location
Company background
Contact information
A website allows you to focus your energy on running your business and answering more complex inquiries while the site handles the basics.
Everyone uses your website to engage with your business
Over 63% of consumers use a company’s website to engage with a brand. In this digitally driven world, you must create a strong online presence to engage potential clients and convert them into loyal customers.
Consumers do more than just shop online
Many business owners think: “I don’t sell products online, so a website is pointless.” We are here to debunk that myth. A website isn’t just for e-commerce—it’s for everyone.
Even if you sell products that are too large for a “virtual cart”—such as construction equipment or building materials—a website still benefits your business by generating leads and establishing authority.
Everyone sees both you and your competition
Do you know who isn’t asking “Do I need a website?” Your competitors.
If you want to stay competitive, you need a website. Without one, people searching online will find and visit your competitor’s business instead. Did you know that 50% of users visit a store within one day of a local search? If you are not online, those customers are walking into your competitor’s shop, not yours.
Don’t wait for a crisis to force your hand. At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a massive surge in demand for websites. Don’t let necessity be the only reason you go digital—start investing in your online presence today.
