Have you been thinking about updating your website, or worse yet, don’t even have one yet? Let us give you a few reasons why you should stop wondering, and take action on bringing your website up to date for 2020.
More Than Ever, People Are Online, And Expect
You To Be Too
According to Statista, average daily mobile internet use is up to 3 hours and 45 minutes per day. And that’s not including their desktop usage! This figure continues to grow every year, especially with younger generations.
This stat is now even higher, as we adapt to working from home – Canadian internet use grew by a staggering 40% from February to April of this year.
If your website is able to deliver a pleasant user experience, or worse, doesn’t even exist, it sends a clear message: Your business is either closed, behind the times, or is not interested in finding new customers.
Your Website Can Help Win Business And Make You Money
Although some people may think that the only websites that make money are e-commerce related, there are several ways that an online presence can help you win more customers, even if you don’t sell products through your website.
Your physical store may only be open during certain days and hours, but your website is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. A professional website can act as your sales person, even when you are not around.
Your website can also help sell after you have already met a potential customer. It’s there for them after meeting you, and helps reinforce the value that you can bring to them. If people are referred to your business through a friend or family member, it’s likely they will do some research before even reaching out.
Of course, especially in a post COVID-19 world, businesses are now looking for additional ways to make their products and services available online, so incorporating an e-commerce solution into your strategy is not a bad idea either.
Your Website Builds Credibility
Today, everyone’s a skeptic. We are wary of unknown phone numbers, sketchy websites, and “too good to be true” offers more than ever. In fact, without a website, 56% of people will not trust your business at all.
Your website is an easy way to increase your legitimacy and credibility as a business (3 out of 4 customers will judge your trustworthiness based on your website design).
This makes it important to have a modern, safe-looking website that contains the right trust factors to demonstrate to your audience that they can trust you.
People Use Search Engines To Solve Problems
81% of shoppers conduct online research before buying. Without a website, you will likely not even get on the radar for a potential customer looking to do business.
Furthermore, once your customers have found your site, you need to deliver the answer they are looking for in a fast, consistent manner that will turn prospects into hardcore fans.
Local Businesses Are Prioritized
Long gone are the days when people pulled out the phone book to search for a business. Today, more people are performing mobile searches, and almost half of Google searches are from people looking for a local answer. In fact, Google has actually started to give local businesses a decent bump in the rankings for mobile searches near you, meaning they are making it easier for local businesses to be seen.
It’s Easier (And Cheaper) Than You Think To Get A Great Website
Consider your website as an advertising investment; one that provides a high return over a longer period of time. It functions as one of the core marketing channels of your business, and you will be put at a serious disadvantage by not taking care of it.
Luckily there are tons of tools available to get started with creating your own website, and affordable, professional options [loop] when it comes to getting a new site developed,
Control Your Brand Image and Information
Your website tells a story. What do you want customers to know about you and your business? Since customers are online whether you are or not, having a great website allows them to get the information directly from the source.
Additionally, your website is an easy way to help manage your online reputation. After all, 90% of customers say buying decisions are influenced by online reviews. You can use your website to display your very best reviews, and respond to the negative ones.
It’s Cost Effective Compared To Traditional Advertising
Marketing budget is an issue that all business owners face, and must make decisions on. You are on a quest to get the highest return possible for your precious dollars spent. With a website, and digital marketing [loop] in general, with a relatively small up-front investment, you can reap continual rewards by optimizing your site to gain organic traffic. If you’re thinking of handling SEO on your own, there are definitely some steps to get started, but we recommend getting professional help.
In Conclusion, Every business needs a website.
To Summarize:
- More people than ever are on the internet
- Your website can make you money, even when your business is closed
- Your website builds business credibility
- Search Engine Optimization matters
- Websites help local businesses
- Getting a website is easier than you may think
- Your website helps you manage your brand
- Websites are a great marketing investment
No matter what business you are in, having a well-designed, customer-centric website is an easy way to help your business reach your ideal customers.
Does your website need some sprucing up? At Loop, we offer free strategy consultations if you are serious about growing your business.
