Many small business owners believe their business cannot benefit from having a website or that it’s good enough to just have a Facebook page. Or sometimes we run across business owners that think because they don’t use a computer, neither do their potential customers. Not so. We can tell you from our experience of being one of the Best SEO Companies, that this can hurt your business more than it will help.
Here are 8 reasons you need a website for your business, not just a Facebook Page.
1. CREDIBILITY FOR A SMALL BUSINESS
A majority of consumers use the internet to search for the products or services they need. Your small business will gain credibility by having a website. Without one, potential customers will go to your competitors that do. If you already have a website but it is “home-made”, having it professionally redesigned will provide your business with a professional image which will inspire even greater confidence. For home-based businesses, this is particularly beneficial since you do not have a storefront to promote your products or services, and everyone is on Facebook, that does not make you credible.
2. A WEBSITE CAN ACTUALLY SAVE YOU MONEY
As a small business owner you probably think you can’t afford a professional website, but you can’t afford NOT to. Although the cost of designing a website varies, once it’s up and running, a website for a small business generally costs under $150 a month. Compared with the cost of a newspaper ad, when you consider the potential market you can reach with a website, it is a very cost effective way to promote your business.
3. KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS INFORMED WITH YOUR BLOG
Think of your website as being your online brochure or catalogue. It is much easier and quicker to update information about your products and services on your website than in print material, making it an effective way of letting your customers know about the arrival of new products, upcoming events, special promotions, or any new services you now offer. Unlike print ads which quickly become outdated, your website can provide current information and news.
4. THINK OF IT AS A 24 HOUR SALESPERSON
A website is available to both your regular and potential customers 24/7/365 providing them with the convenience of reviewing your products and services when your store or office is closed. How much would that add to your payroll if you hired a 24-hour salesperson?
5. A WEBSITE MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO TARGET A WIDER MARKET
Whether you provide products or services, your website will provide an alternative location to sell them. As a retailer, a website (eCommerce) is a great place to sell your products to a wider market; even services can be made available globally. Don’t think you’ll be able to sell your products or services online? Don’t forget, even cars and houses sell online!
6. SHOWCASE YOUR WORK IN YOUR WAY
No matter what type of business you’re in, a website is a great place to showcase your work. By including a portfolio or image gallery, as well as testimonials about your work, you can demonstrate what makes your business unique. Your Facebook Business Page is not as customizable as a website. You look like everyone else if you just rely on a social media channel to showcase your brand.
7. TIME SAVER
Providing information to your customers takes time, whether it’s on the phone, face-to-face, in a brochure, or in emails. With an online catalogue you can provide lots of information about your products and services. Once your website is up and running, it is available to your customers indefinitely, saving you time. And what is time? Time is money!
8. IMPROVES CUSTOMER SERVICE
Maybe you sell environmentally friendly products and would like to share tips on how to recycle, or perhaps you’re an accountant and want to give your clients advice on how to simplify their bookkeeping practices. By including a FAQ page, adding articles or uploading newsletters to answer all your customers’ questions you can keep them up-to-date. What better way to provide them with value added service than by sharing information on your website.
