Experts _and unicorns: Clicks, Code, and Website Wisdom

Ever wondered how crucial having a website is in today’s rapidly evolving market? Well, according to?Klarna’s Shopping Pulse report, a whopping 83% of savvy shoppers?hitting up physical stores have, at least occasionally, turned to the internet for a bit of pre-shopping wisdom.

Whether it’s for finding the best seller, looking up reviews, or delving deeper into the technological side of products, users are likely to find your business via Google search. And we don’t even mention those who only buy online.

So, at least some online presence has become indispensable for businesses across various industries.?

Saulius Antanavi?ius , CEO of Scoding and Reprezentuok , who specializes in creating customized websites, emphasizes that, in the contemporary business landscape, a company cannot thrive without a website. Whether you’re a builder, designer, or food product seller, having a website is obligatory, and it must be “mobile-friendly.” With 60-70% of people using mobile devices to browse, a website should prioritize both: branding and user experience (UX-UI).

“A website cannot be created just for the sake of having it written on a business card unless the business is exceptionally prosperous and does not require new customers. But, as the saying goes, if you have too many customers, you have to raise prices”, Antanavi?ius jokes.

When You Might Not Need a Website?

While Antanavi?ius doesn’t believe there is a scenario where a business doesn’t need a website, he acknowledges that small businesses, such as individual makeup artists with their own salons, might not require a full-fledged website. In such cases, an online presence is crucial, and a domain with a simple landing page can suffice.?

“For these small businesses, it’s important to have a domain with links to social networks, to have some kind of landing page, which can be created by a freelancer for a couple of hundred euros. Here online presence is vital for developing a brand and its image”, he emphasizes.

Choosing the Right Type for Your Business

Antanavi?ius identifies several types of websites, including representational, e-commerce, and self-service sites. Representational sites detailing services and team members are currently the most popular, while a contact page remains a crucial component of websites.

“For businesses like law firms, individual pages for each attorney with detailed information about their specialization and services are essential because a client hiring a professional with rates of more than 100-200 euros per hour usually wants more information about the expert in question”, he says.

He notes that Scoding/Reprezentuok mainly deals with e-commerce projects, reflecting the trend where businesses seek smooth and digitized online sales, often integrating with accounting systems.

Template-Based Website Creation Tools

Discussing tools like WIX, Squarespace, and Zyro, Antanavi?ius views them as a good initial option when budget constraints or the need for a basic online presence exists. However, he cautions that these platforms limit customization options and may not be suitable for growing businesses.?

“Such tools are, therefore, a good starting point because you can build a website relatively cheaply, and you don’t have to rely on low-cost freelancers, who sometimes produce websites that are not of the highest quality. However, as the business expands, it becomes essential to move away from such tools because various limitations become a barrier to developing a quality business”, he says.?

He notes that Shopify is suitable for e-commerce website creation, but it is crucial to consider the pricing and integrations. For example, unlike Wix, Shopify allows you to customize your website, but it has its limits, is expensive, and many of the features are unavailable for the Lithuanian market.

Funding Programmes for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Lithuania

Last year, the Innovation Agency in Lithuania offered the possibility to receive European Union (EU) funding for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises wishing to implement e-commerce solutions for performing transactions, as well as configuring and visualizing goods and services.

Although the project call is now over, Antanavi?ius stresses the need for businesses to remain aware of such opportunities, have capable project proposal writers, and consider the benefits of possible participation in these programs.

“Innovation Agency calls are really useful but they have rules. Sometimes they are stricter, sometimes they are not, but they are all doable, and the support is definitely worth it if you are planning to grow your business”, he says.

It is, therefore, important for businesses to know the following:

• A website is crucial for modern businesses, regardless of their industry, emphasizing the importance of being mobile-friendly and focusing on branding and user experience.
• While small businesses may not need a full-fledged website, maintaining an online presence is essential for brand development and image building.
• Different types of websites, such as representational and e-commerce sites, cater to diverse business needs, with customization and functionality being key considerations.
• Template-based website creation tools like WIX and Squarespace serve as good starting points for businesses with budget constraints but may pose limitations as the business grows.

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, a well-crafted website is not just an accessory but a strategic asset for success. Whether it’s showcasing services or facilitating online sales, businesses need to leverage the right tools and opportunities to stay ahead in the digital era.

But before venturing into the vast wilderness of web design, it’s essential to understand what your brand is truly about. And unicorns can help your business pinpoint its magic before setting up your dazzling online presence!