Do I need a website for my business?
This is a question I get asked a lot by several clients. And I always tell them one thing: yes, you need a website for your business.
No matter how big or small your business is, a website will only help you establish authority. Usually, when I ask a client why they think they don’t need a website, I get one of three answers:
I don’t have time to build a website.
I don’t know how to build a website.
I can’t afford to build a website.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth!
In today’s article, we’re discussing all the reasons why you should get a website for your business as well as some tips and tricks you can use to your advantage.
Keep reading to find out more.
Do I need a website for my business?
Ask any digital marketing expert and the answer will be a resounding yes. Before we get into the hows of establishing a website for your business, let’s discuss why you need a website.
There are many reasons why your business needs a website. But most importantly, it helps you establish authority. Having a website shows your clients and leads that you’re serious about your business.
I know, I know. You might be thinking: I can’t afford a website right now. To tell you the truth, financial stability has nothing to do with building or running a website. There are many free resources online that you can use in the meantime.
For example, both WordPress and Wix offer free plans you can use while your businesses just starting out. But more than that, there are also inexpensive plans to choose from. Various platforms allow you to run a custom domain website for under $10 a month.
On that note, you might be worried about the costs of building a website. After all, hiring a professional can get pricey. And some website building platforms do charge a pretty penny. Not to mention, the time and skills required to code and build a website yourself.
Why you should have a website
Still not convinced? That’s okay, we’ve only just started. There are several reasons why your business should have a website. Especially now that most of the world relies on electronic communication and digital marketing to find what they need.
But before I get ahead of myself, let’s a look at the reasons why you need a website for your business as soon as possible:
1. To attract more customers and improve your business
Whatever you may think, a website will help with your revenue. Think about it: how do you plan on capturing the lead that tried to look for you on Google but couldn’t find you?
There’s virtually no way for you to reach a big chunk of the market unless you have a website. Sure, you can create a Facebook page or Google My Business listing. I mean, that should be enough right? At least there’s a page that shows up when customers look for you.
Unfortunately, this kind of logic is highly damaging not only to you but to your business as well. A social media page does not help much in the way of business. Yes, it helps to have somewhere to direct your customers to, but imagine trying to come off as a professional and only having a Facebook page to show for it?
2. A website will act as your 24/7 storefront
Let’s be honest. It’s not sustainable for a business to be available for a customer’s viewing 24/7. And not being available makes it difficult for you to convert leads. A website gives your customers a place to go to when you’re not actually available.
In fact, it lessens the amount of time you need to be available. Having a simple FAQ page or a way to be contacted while they’re browsing everything you have to say or show for about your business is one of the most convenient ways to retain your leads and increase conversion rates.
Plus, if you’re running referrals, it allows potential referrals to have the resources to research about you. If they aren’t able to find anything about your business, then it’s highly unlikely that they’ll convert.
3. Improve your trust ratings
Credibility is gold in the digital world. With scams running rampant and more content being added into the constant pool of information that is on the internet, research suggests that 56% of consumers prefer to do business with a brand that has a website.
Can you believe that? You’re losing 56% of your potential customer base due to your lack of a website.
Think of it this way: a website not only helps make your business look more professional but it also builds your credibility. It makes your business seem more solid on the internet rather than something that could just disappear within the space of a heartbeat.
4. A website can help you stand out
Having a website will help you have a leg up on your competition. Instead of being the underdog, why not take a step up and be the leader of the pack? The first step to dominating your market is to have a proper website.
Now, it doesn’t need to be the best website in the business. You could start small, but it is important that you put effort into making it the best you possibly can.
The goal is to make it easy for potential customers to learn more about your business. Make your website clutter-free, easy to navigate, and make sure it has all the information your average consumer would need.
This includes your contact information, a section about your business, and even a quick summary of the services or products you offer.
5. It isn’t difficult
Most people seem to think that building a website themselves either costs money or a ridiculous amount of time to do so. I’m not gonna lie, to build a decent website you will need to spend some amount of time to make sure it’s well-optimized and as effective as possible.
In some cases, this may take a full day. Sometimes it could take you a week. Nevertheless, it’s still a step you shouldn’t skip.
And besides, you don’t need to be tech-savvy or have a background in programming to build a website. There are several websites that work well for newbies with easy to use drag and drop builders.
If you’re even open to spending a bit on a monthly subscription, there are some handy platforms that come with an SEO tool that helps you optimize the content of your website so you appear on more search results or so that your website is better received by your potential customers.
6. It isn’t that expensive
Building a website doesn’t have to cost you a thousand dollars. In fact, some websites will let you build and run your website for free. So truthfully, finances shouldn’t be an issue. You could also argue that buying a domain would cost a lot as well.
Let me tell you something: buying a domain doesn’t have to be expensive. The first domain I bought only cost me a dollar in the first year. That website ended up earning a good chunk of revenue for me during that year.
Two great places where you can buy domain names are Namecheap and Hostgator. Check their sites and register your domain.
Plus, if you’re looking for web hosting platforms with drag and drop builders, there are several that cost under $10 to keep running each month.
Think about it this way: a website is an essential investment you need to make for your business.
Recommended hosting companies are:
7. A website helps save your time and energy
Having a digital storefront means you don’t need to be online 24/7 to answer customer inquiries or to take bookings, payments, and orders. In fact, this also helps make it easier for your leads to convert.
Making it more convenient for your leads to do business with you will lessen the amount of time they have to doubt their purchase.
What’s more, having a dedicated website that takes and answers inquiries, keeps up with customers for you, and handles your sales for you only gives you more time to work on other things like relaxing.
Establish your brand’s authenticity
Having a website will give your brand or your business a voice. But more than that, it helps you maintain that voice and mold it to what you want it to be at all times. Do you want to look and feel like a more professional business?
Your website will do that for you.
Do you want to portray a fun community within your business?
Your business will show that to your potential customers.
Whatever voice or image you want your business to have, your website will do it for you.
Your website not only delivers information about your business, but it also shows your customers what your business is about. What your goals for your business are and how you plan to steer your business into their lives.
What’s more, a website will help you target the exact audience you’re looking for.
Why there’s no reason for your business not to have a website
Do you need a website for your business? Of course, you do. Every business does. Gone are the days where advertising and business information were strictly reliant on newspapers, magazines, and tv ads.
In fact, most of the ads you’ll see today are either on Google or some form of social media platform. And you very well can’t rely on just putting your address and phone number out there when you’re trying to get your business across.
You need a website.
I often hear business owners making one excuse after another as to why they can’t or don’t need to have a website. Below, you’ll find some of the most common excuses and why you shouldn’t let those excuses stop you.
What if I don’t know a thing about programming a website?
Your expertise or experience in building a website should be a non-issue. There are plenty of drag and drop website builders online. Some of them even offer free plans. If you’re only in need of a landing page-type website for your business, Wix and Builderall offer a forever free plan you can take advantage of.
With the need for more affordable and more accessible software, many platforms have stepped up to fill the role. And thus, drag and drop builders were put out for the world to use. Many platforms use a drag and drop editor now. And yes, that includes Wix and WordPress.
Although, if you do plan on adding code to your website in the future, it would still be possible for most platforms.
To put it simply, not knowing a thing about building a website shouldn’t be an issue. There’s usually no need to build an initial website for your business. It’s quite easy and simple and usually, there are several free templates to choose from on sites like Builderall, WordPress, and Wix.
Summary: You don’t need to hire a professional to build a website for you. And on that note, you don’t really need to spend thousands of dollars to have a fully-functioning website. There are plenty of resources that make it possible for newbies like yourself to build a website without having to break the bank or break a sweat.
In case you want to choose a great funnel builder, check out my guide - Best Sales Funnel Builders
I don’t think my business needs a website
Are you kidding? Every business needs a website! Even your local plumber has a website! And why do you think that is? With most people on their phones for most of the day, digital advertising is the way to go.
You can have access to a broader audience when you have a website. Plus, it makes it easier for potential leads to trust you. Think about it: would you rather listen to the ramblings of someone on the street or someone in a blog?
I’d bet ten dollars you’d rather read information from a blog than listen to a stranger on the sidewalk telling you about the “next big thing” you need in your life.
A website simply does not tell people about what you do or who you are. It tells them you’re serious about your business. It tells them you’ve put in the time and effort to establish your business and make a name for yourself.
And besides, when’s the last time you didn’t try to check a business through a quick Google search before contacting them?
A website does more than inform your customers of what you do. It convinces them of who you are and what your business can do for them. Think of it as your digital storefront. No one wants to do business with a dusty boarded-up shop. It simply doesn’t work that way.
Summary: Every business needs a website. If only to build trust and authenticity in the digital world. But more than that, it gives your customers an idea of what you can offer them and what your business means to you. It also offers security to potential leads and lets them know you should be trusted.
I make enough money as it is. Why should my business have a website?
There is always room for development. The market for any business is a highly dynamic thing. And if you ever decide that your business doesn’t need to keep up, then I’m sorry to tell you that you’ve already got one foot in the grave, my friend.
I often get asked, “why do I need a website for my business when I’m already making enough?”
Setting up a website isn’t solely about making money. Many times it’s not even about making sales or gaining conversions. It’s mostly about making sure there’s a resource out there for people who don’t know about you.
It builds trust. And in the long run, it also saves you the trouble of having to answer countless questions that could easily be solved by having a page dedicated to highlighting your services. Or you know, where they can find you, or how to set up an appointment.
If you’ve ever heard of the story of the MacDonald’s brothers, you’ll know that there is always an opportunity for someone to steal away your vision and the business you worked hard for. If you choose to remain stagnant, then there’s very little hope of reaching a wider audience or even simplifying your current process.
My business is still small. Do I really need a website?
For startups, one of the biggest questions you’ll ask yourself is this: do I need a website for my small business? Truth is, every business starts out small. Heck, even the biggest brands today started out smaller than small.
And you know what? They grew because of innovation. They grew because they chose to remain dynamic in the face of the market. They grew because they gained people’s trust.
Nowadays, it isn’t enough to advertise on the street. You can’t rely on setting up a newspaper ad anymore. Or running an ad on the tv with your address and phone number hoping someone will call you.
Did you know that 81% of consumers prefer to do a quick internet search when they first hear of a business? And do you know what would happen if they don’t find you anywhere on those search engines?
You lose a lead.
Summary: Long story short, a website will let potential leads know that you’re out there. The best-case scenario being you turn up on a random search and get recommended to someone who has never heard of you at all.
Pro tip: here you can check out my guide - The Best Free Landing Page Builder
Is having a website worth it?
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Whether you build a website, purchase one, or hire someone to do it for you, there’s no denying that owning a website for your business is one of the best investments you can make for your business.
Not only does it open you up to an entirely new market for business, but it also allows you to tap into a huge percentage of your potential customer base that heavily relies on websites to determine whether or not a business is worth their trust.
What’s more, having a website streamlines most of your customer’s experience with doing business with you. Whether it’s setting up an appointment, signing up for your webinar class, or making a purchase on your website, it makes your resources readily available to potential customers 24/7.
Unfortunately, most of the time it isn’t a question of what a website can do for your business. Most people are scared of the potential hassle and monetary investment that goes into building and owning a website.
Let me ask you this:
do you think your business would become stable if you didn’t put in at least a little bit of elbow grease? I don’t think so. While building a website may not be as difficult as you think, it will require some time and attention.
In some cases, it will even cost you at least $20 a month. Although, there are several free resources if you’re willing to use them.
The bottom line is this:
yes, having a website for your business is worth it. No, it’s not difficult as you think it is and no, you do not need to spend hundreds - if not thousands of dollars to have it built.
Most platforms don’t even require the slightest background in building websites. All you need is determination, the ability to do a little bit of research for yourself, and some patience.