How Many Businesses Have Websites in 2023?

If you're running a traditional brick and mortar business and don't have a website, then you're missing out. According to this Forbes article, 71% of businesses have an online presence. There are numerous benefits to having a company website, not least of which help to increase your visibility and sales. Is it enough to have a website built and housed on the internet, though? Let’s find out.

Websites For Everybody

As of now, there are an estimated 1.3 billion websites in existence and that number is expected to grow steadily throughout 2023. While some businesses may be able to get away with simple websites for a while, it's important for companies and organisations to understand how important it is to have a reputable online presence.

Businesses with websites tend to have higher revenues than those without one. Since COVID-19 hit a few years ago, more people have become comfortable with placing online orders. This trend has been increasing in markets like South Africa, that are usually slow to adopt digital trends. If your company or brand does not own a website, you’re missing out on a huge untapped market.

Websites Matter

If you're wondering why, it's so important to have a website, consider the impact of digital services. Lock down has changed the local landscape and the future of work has significantly shifted. Even with continuous bouts of load shedding, remote and hybrid work models are still in place.

In today's world, having a website is like having a storefront, it shows people that you mean business.

Those working from home now have the option of finding you online without having to roam through crowded malls. In addition, your website can also serve as a calling card for your business, directing traffic to your brick-and-mortar store.

Online Benefits

Having a website is essential to any business wanting to succeed in the digital age. Here are some benefits to look forward to:

• Increased brand awareness. A website allows you to showcase your products and services, as well as who you are as an organisation. Customers can learn more about your offerings, see what makes them different from other companies in your industry and even take advantage of special offers that may not be available anywhere else.
• Increased traffic. A website is a great way to attract customers. It can help customers who have never set foot in your store before, find you. More visitors to your website also has a positive effect on your sales leads. In fact, since your website is accessible 24/7, it can generate leads while you sleep.

Cost Implications

Your website is so much more than a leads generator and while it is essential to generating revenue for your business, it does come at a cost. That cost is dependent on a wide variety of factors.

The same way each business is different from the next, so too is one website’s requirements from that of another.

In terms of price range and skill, your website can cost you anything from a few thousand rands to tens of thousands of rands. This is also dependent on domain registrations, hosting, maintenance and tons of other options best suited to your business requirements. Make sure to partner with a company or developer that is aligned with your professional objectives.

Conclusion

As you have learned, there are millions of businesses out there taking advantage of the benefits of having a website. It's a great way to promote your business and connect with customers online. The rapid growth of technology is attracting more and more people to move their offerings online. It’s not expected to slow down anytime soon, if you’ve not secured an online presence for your organisation yet, now may be the best time to do it!

Author: Beardem Beardsley

#BigBeardWebSolutions #BiggerBeardlierBest #1000in10 #southafricasdigitalrevolution #4DayWeekSA #level1bbbee #webdesign #webdevelopment #websupport #webmaintenance #webcopy #copywriting #proudlysouthafrican #wordpress #entrepreneurship #smme?

Legend has it that the beards of prehistoric humans were so thick and rich, that they could cushion blows to the face! Which is why at Big Beard Web Solutions, we fortify your website by putting a beard on it. Get in touch to make your online presence Bigger. Beardlier. Best.