Top Reasons Your Business Needs a Website

We’ve all been there: you drive past a business, and you want to know what they’re about. You pull open your phone and do quick Google search . . . just to see they’re not online! Instead of checking the place out, you keep driving because if they’re not proactively marketing, they must not want new business, right?

This exact same situation is happening with your business. While maybe ‘online marketing’ is too strong of a word for what you’re trying to achieve, ‘online outreach’ isn’t – and it’s just as critical for you as it is any other business. Check out these reasons why you need to start building an online presence for your small business:

1. A website opens your doors to new clients

As the saying goes, “discovery happens online.” Gone are the days when having a monument sign out on the front lawn attracted new members to your business: in fact, studies have shown that 97% of consumers do research online before visiting a company in person. Less shocking is that “near me” searches have increased by more than 500% over the last decade.

While gaining new clients certainly isn’t always a competition, having an online presence does make your business more approachable for new customers. Members can understand who you are – as both an owner and a business – stand for, as well as let them know when your hours are and what products or services you provide.

2. A website helps your clients keep their schedule in order

Anniversary event? Special Memorial Day promotion? Remember – just because YOU remember the dates and times of every local or private business event, that doesn’t mean your customers do. By having a website, not only are you able to keep a calendar with all of your business' important events, but you can post important reminders on your homepage: keeping events top-of-mind and increasing attendance.

3. A website keeps your sales increasing when you're not available

Did you know? According to the CBRE, 12% of a small business's sales are made online. We all want to keep a M-F, 9-5 schedule, but in some cases this isn't always the best business method. We all have lives, after all! By providing an e-commerce function on your website, you are enabling customers to shop when they want to - not the other way around. This also enables you to expand your target market: your small-town Kansas store can now reach people in Texas, California, or Maine!

4. A website makes you a SME

Blogging isn’t just for bakers or travel guides: having a website for your business can give potential customers the idea that you know all. By offering advice, how-to guides, or references on where to get the best materials, you are giving customers authority over their lives . . . while also increasing trust in your business. By having these types of materials on your business's website for everyone to read, you just might be the next person they call when something is beyond do-it-yourself.