Here are 6 compelling reasons why your business NEEDS a professional website

Here are 6 compelling reasons why your business NEEDS a professional website

1. YOUR BUSINESS WILL GAIN CREDIBILITY

More and more people are searching the Internet for the things they want, solutions to their problems, comparing prices, or just finding information about a store, restaurant, or business before buying from them. If you do not have a website, potential customers will go to your competitors, especially if you are a home-based business without a brick and mortar address.

Having a website will not only give you the information they want but will also give you confidence in your business. It says I'm here, I understand the business, and I'm in it for a long time.

Maybe you think, I have a “freebie” website that I built for myself, why should I pay someone to do it for me? There are several reasons why I don’t recommend a “freebie” D.I.Y. websites, which I refer to elsewhere, but even a “freebie” website is better than no website at all. However, if you are a professional person and have the time to build your website, I highly recommend that you at least use WordPress with a professional theme and pay for web hosting with a reputable web host.

By carefully planning, tailored to the needs of your customers, your website will provide a better image and provide potential buyers with a better experience when they visit, be it on their computer, tablet, or mobile phone.

2. IT SAVES You're MONEY IN THE LONG TERM

As a small business owner, especially a beginner, you may think that you cannot afford a professional website. But you can't afford it. Although the cost of designing a website varies according to your needs and the level of your skills, once they are up and running, a website that is a good first investment, especially if built using WordPress, allows you to add and modify your content regularly, saving money on updates.

Compared with the cost of traditional advertising methods, such as newspaper ads, radio commercials, promotional items and social media events that often include food costs or sales tables, when you consider the potential market, you can access through a website, it is the most expensive way to promote your business.

Even if your skill level is low and unnecessary and you need to pay your website designer/builder regularly to maintain and update your website, the final cost is lower than traditional sales, and the investment is worth the customers who will find your business.

When it comes to comparing the cost of a professional website with freebie D.I.Y. A website, unless you have the right skills, your website will cost you time and effort that can best be used in your other business. Not only that, but if it does not work, or is not available in Google search, you will lose customers and that will cost you dearly.

Saving money is a good reason why your business needs a professional website, but there are a few more reasons.

3. CUSTOMERS CAN BE KEPT INFORMED

In its basic form, think of a website as an online brochure or catalog that can be updated at any time. It is easier and quicker to update information about your products and services on your website than in a printed brochure or catalog.

A website is an effective way to inform your customers about new services, inform them of new products, announce upcoming events, and special promotions. You can also provide additional value by posting tips, resources, and other blog information on your website. Unlike printed ads, newspaper articles, and flyers, which expire, your website can provide current information and news. And if you find an error after publishing a page or post, a quick fix.

A website can be much more than just an online brochure or catalog. We now have YouTube videos, Podcasts, Webinars, eBooks, and other online media showcase our skills, expertise, and our products, provide online courses, tutorials, and workshops. Not to mention the social media integration that allows you to share information on your website across all other channels and reach a wider audience.

4. A WEBSITE IS ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE

Unlike your brick and mortar site, which is open a few hours a day, the website is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can provide regular and potential customers who can easily review your products and services when your store or office is closed.

Not only that, with the many practical and add-on features available, but visitors to your website can also contact you, sign up for your courses, hire appointments and make direct purchases on your website even when away from your desk or after closing.

5. A WEBSITE ENABLES YOU TO TARGET A WIDER AUDIENCE

Websites are available anywhere in the world when an internet connection is provided. As more and more people access the internet, even in remote areas, you can target more viewers if your business has a website.

Whether you offer products or services, or a business or consumer, your website offers you another place to sell. As a retailer, the e commerce website is a great place to sell your products in a wide market. Think of all the people who have access to your bricks and mortar that you can sell your products to.

Even service-based businesses can offer their services worldwide through a website. Now that we have more affordable ways to communicate with people, we can do business with anyone, anywhere, anytime. The website makes it very easy to attract buyers to the global market.

6. IT PROVIDES A MEDIUM TO SHOWCASE YOUR WORK

No matter what type of business you’re in, a website is a great place to showcase your work or demonstrate your skills. By including a portfolio, image gallery or videos, as well as testimonials about your work, you can demonstrate what makes your company or you unique.

If you have a website, your portfolio can be viewed by everyone, anywhere and you can control the people, the quality and size of your photos, and how people interact with those images.