6 Reasons Why A Website is Vital for Your Business

If you are reading this and panicking , don’t worry, you are not alone!

40-50% of business owners right now, do not have a dedicated website. And of those that do, a whopping 80% are not happy with their site—maybe because of the lack of content, failing to modernize, or just simply neglecting to keep the information being showcased current and up to-date. If any of this fits you, instead of getting flustered, look at this as your opportunity to really use web space to your advantage.

Take a moment, and think about how many times a day you use the internet to find information.We all use the internet, maybe more times than we would even like to admit. It is convenient, quick and accessible. If we are looking for a doctor, where do we go, the internet. If we are looking for a store that sells a certain brand, or a restaurant that makes a certain type of food, or a company that provides a certain service, where do we go? THE INTERNET. Having a website has become the normative. Customers expect all companies to have a website, and quite frankly if they do not it is like they do not exist; how do we find them if they are not on the internet?  

Now some of you may have initially had a little anxiety, but then started thinking, “well I use social media.” If you are one of those people, that is great! It’s free or low cost, it is relatively user friendly, and I am sure to many of you, it feels  like less of a commitment than creating a website.

Although being active on social media is essential, it is just a piece of the puzzle. Think about it, it’s like modern day advertising in the newspapers. The problem is, where do your followers go when they need more information, want to make a purchase, or need to make an appointment, etc. It is crucial to have a website.

Here are the 6 reasons why a website is vital for your business:

1. Having a website automatically gives you a competitive edge:

Remember earlier, when we were discussing the large number of businesses that do not have a website, or are not using their website to its full capabilities? Well this is why it is key to create a website for yourself. It gives you a one-up on those that are not currently utilizing a web page, and it protects your business  from not being seen. If your clients can’t find you online, they will find your competitors. It is important that your website looks good on all devices: desktop, iPads, smart phones, etc. Easy navigation is also a key aspect, as well as displaying enough information about your brand, products and services, in a clear and concise manner. Your website is the first thing a potential customer sees, don’t leave them with an unnecessary bad image of your company. People often choose to do business with an inferior company just because their website looked prettier, or they found the answers to their questions right away. Don’t let that happen to you!

2. A website will increase user awareness with your products and services:

A website makes it easy for customers to learn more about your business at their own pace. A customer that buys product A from you often, may not realize that you also sell Product B or Service C. Your website can be the landing page, where the user can see everything about your business, and what you have to offer, quickly, conveniently and without being bothered to pick up the phone.

3. You will increase your hours of business:

Not only will your website be there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, reaching millions of people every day, but it will make it possible for your customers to contact you outside of your normal business hours. You can virtually make money while you sleep.

4. In the long run, you will actually cut costs:

Initially a website does come with a price tag, which in my experience, has detoured some clients. What they do not realize is that although there is some upfront cost to building a site, it will  actually end up saving them money.

One of the largest expenses a business can incur is designing, printing and delivering marketing materials. Your website, if done well, can do all of that. It is a quicker, easier, more cost-effective and environmentally conscious, to update via your webpage versus  print-based materials. Also, it allows you to keep all material as current as possible, with just a click of the mouse.

Another major expense many business incur is buying advertising space. Whether it’s a newspaper ad, billboard or radio spot, advertising can be expensive. Although advertising is still needed in certain situations, a website can lessen the need with its unlimited number of full-page ads, and versatility to change whenever you see fit.

A good website will also reduce communication costs. On a website you can have pictures, details and prices of your products and services. You can include the very latest company information, hours of operation and maps indicating the location of your store(s).  Your website can supply your staff, suppliers and business partners with important and timely information. Almost any printed item can be converted to a web page and distributed by e-mail at far less cost to your pocket and the environment, and takes much less time than any other medium.

5. A website enhances your company image:

A website can help you to establish a credible, professional image, instilling a level of trust with your customer and their purchasing confidence will follow suit. Your website should reflect the spirit and vision of you and your company. Look at it as an opportunity to show your client, or potential client, everything that you do and can do for them.

6. A website improves customer service

Does your staff spend a lot of time on the phone answering customer requests for information on a product or service? Do they keep answering the same questions and sending out the same material? Do they spend a lot of time on the phone with customer support?A website can help reduce phone bills, postage costs, printing costs and labor costs. Not to mention it frees your employees up to complete much more pressing tasks.Your website will also allow your clients to place orders at the most convenient time for them, not just during working hours.

Dorian Media Group is a top ranked website design agency,  For more information on a website for your business please schedule a discovery call below, and someone from Dorian Media Group will contact you shortly.