I recently went to a family reunion– the kind where you don’t even know most of the people there– and got talking to one of my great-aunts who, bless her heart, isn’t the most tech-savvy. I told her that I’m a website designer, and she leaned in, very seriously, and asked “do I need a website?”
This got me thinking, as I explained to her what websites are (which led to explaining what Google is), why do people need websites?
I told her that people use websites to either share information or to sell products and services. The less-simplified truth is that every business needs a website to build their reputation, increase accessibility and convenience, market its products and services, engage with their customers, give them a competitive advantage, and more.
These days, it’s easy to take websites for granted. It’s important to know how your current website serves your business, or how a website would serve your business if you don’t already have one.
How do websites help businesses?
1. Credibility + Professionalism
People usually find businesses by Googling something they are looking for, and in many cases, the easier you are to find on Google and the more up-to-date your online presence is, the more credible your business seems. If you search for “seafood restaurant near me” and your two results are a seafood restaurant with a nice website that has all the information you’d need and a link to a Facebook page that hasn’t been updated in 6 months, it’s more likely that you’d go to the restaurant with the nice website.
Having a website that provides important information like hours, menus, contact information, + events builds trust and relationships with your current and potential customers. After all, if you aren’t telling your customers what you want them to know, how are they supposed to know it?
2. Accessibility + Convenience
Websites provide a benefit that most brick-and-mortar businesses can’t provide– 24/7 accessibility. The convenience of instantly shopping for products and services from the comfort of bed at 3AM is a luxury that the internet brought to us, and having a website that facilitates that is not just encouraged, but expected. Beyond being convenient, shopping or viewing information online makes an incredible difference for people who may not be able or have time to leave their homes to visit your business. From busy moms and people with disabilities to late-night impulse shoppers, having a website gives everyone a chance to (digitally) visit your business.
3. Marketing + Visibility
Digital marketing is the fastest way to reach your audience. Social media, digital advertising, and even most traditional marketing venues like newspapers all point toward your business, and if you don’t have a website, it can lead people to dead-ends and frustration. If someone sees your billboard and Google your name only to find a physical address but no website, chances are they won’t investigate further. On the other hand, if someone Googles you and finds your website, they’ll have the chance to find the information they were looking for and you may gain a new customer.
4. Customer Engagement + Communication
Having direct communication channels like contact forms, live chat, and blogs on your website is essential for building customer engagement. These tools make it easy for visitors to reach out with questions and requests, creating a dependable line of communication. These also help get customer feedback, which allows you to refine your services, address specific needs, and improve overall satisfaction within your customer base.
5. Competitive Advantage
A well-designed website can give your small business a distinct competitive edge. While competitors may rely solely on social media or word-of-mouth, your website can showcase unique features like a portfolio of work and detailed examples of your work, highlighting your expertise and setting you apart from businesses that lack an online presence. The design and functionality of your site can create a lasting first impression, helping you attract potential customers who are searching for experience, credibility, and quality from the start.
The Wrap Up
In today’s digital world, a website is no longer a luxury– it’s a necessity for every business. My great-aunt may not need a website, but anyone who wants a successful business does. A website builds credibility and professionalism by giving potential customers confidence in your business, makes your products and services more accessible around the clock, and allows customers to engage with your brand whenever it’s convenient for them. With a website, you can reach a wider audience through digital marketing, provide direct communication channels for feedback, and stand out from competitors with a well-crafted online presence.
If your business is still without a website or needs an upgrade, there isn’t a better time to take the first step in building your most important digital asset. Contact MINT Brand Marketing today to start developing a website that will serve your customers + help your business thrive!
