The Digital Imperative: Why Every Small Business Needs a Website

So I recently discovered that a lot ( and I mean a lot) of small businesses don't own a website. It’s not just that they don’t own a website but they don’t think it’s important to have one. In my head, I’m like really really? No pressure, but in today's fast-paced, digital-centric world, having a strong online presence is no longer a thing of luxury for small businesses but a necessity. Small businesses don’t realize that their potential customers are actively searching the internet for information, products, and services that they most likely offer. But, because they don’t have a website, they miss out on these business opportunities.?

It’s true that being on social media is great but having a social media account is not enough anymore. Research shows that 84% of customers find businesses with a website to be more trustworthy than ones without. Guess which one they’ll patronize? Obviously, the ones they consider more trustworthy.

I decided to write this article to help small business owners realize the importance of having a website and when it’s the right time for them to have one.?Let's get right into it...

The Digital Age Dilemma

Picture this: You just moved into a new city and need to get furniture for your new home. You don't want to spend so much on shipping, so you decide to look for a local furniture shop online that a friend had recommended to you. Unfortunately, you can't find them after searching on Google. You eventually found their social media page, but it's not very impressive. They have a few followers and not a lot of pictures (they probably don't have a social media manager). You remember you've been scammed on social media before, so you are a bit reluctant to purchase anything from them. While searching for them, you found a furniture company close to you that sells affordable furniture, so you went back to your search on Google and clicked on the link to their website. Now you have beautiful furniture in your new home. The rest is history...

This is how many small business owners like you miss out on business opportunities.

The Limitations of Social Media Alone

As I mentioned earlier, being on social media is extremely valuable but it isn't enough, and here's why:

• Lack of control: the first limitation of social media is that you lack complete control over the platform. In other words, you are at the mercy of the rules and algorithms of each platform. If you don't post at the right time, and use additional tools provided in the platform, your post might never reach your audience. It sucks but that's just the way it is. Also, if you violate any rules (even though it's an accident), your account can get restricted. A social media account is like a rented apartment. Your landlord can decide not to rent it to you anymore. He might want to sell it to someone who wants to use it as an office space. Whatever the reason might be, the point is that you can get kicked out at any time. I guess I've made the lack of control clear, let's move on to the second limitation.
• Lack of Customization: Have you been to estates where all the houses look exactly the same on the outside? Everything appears the same until you have a look inside. With social media thats exactly how it is. With a social media page, you are limited to how much customization you can do to set yourself apart from your competition.

Leveraging the Power of a Website

In a survey done by Clutch, it was reported that 46% of small businesses generated more than half of their revenue from their website alone. That's mind-blowing. This is proof of the immense potential a website holds for business growth. Whether you're selling products, offering services, or simply providing information, a website is a great asset for your business.

Importance of Having a Website

1. Credibility and Trust: A well-designed website will boost your credibility. I've emphasized this point already but I'll say it again because of how important it is. Consumers will not trust businesses that rely solely on social media platforms. Having a website lends credibility to your brand. Customers know where to go when they need information from you. they can easily check your Frequently Asked Questions, read your blog post if you have any (I recommend that you do), and check if your products or services are available. With your website, your customers can feel like they're part of your community.
2. Increased Visibility: Having a website allows you to expand your reach beyond the local community. With proper SEO optimization, your website can rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs), making it easier for potential customers to find you. In other words, a website optimized for search engines like Google makes you sought after by your preferred customers because they are actively searching for a business like yours online.
3. Showcase Your Products and Services: A website provides an ideal platform to showcase your products and services. You can use high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and customer reviews to persuade visitors to choose your offerings. Plus, you can keep your online catalog up-to-date, ensuring that your customers are always in the know.
4. Competitive Edge: Your competitors probably already have websites. By not having one, you're putting yourself at a significant disadvantage. A website levels the playing field, allowing you to compete with bigger players in your industry. Don't sleep on it.

Everything That Has A Beginning Has An Ending (Conclusion)

In conclusion, a website is not just a nice thing to have for small businesses; it's an absolute must. It establishes trust, increases visibility, and offers a competitive edge. While social media is a valuable tool for engagement, it should complement, not replace, your website. So, if you haven't already, it's time to invest in a website and unlock the doors to a world of digital possibilities for your small business.

Your future customers are waiting online; make sure they can find you.