Published by: Engin Ayaz, Technical Program Director, BrandStar Tech
Chances are if you meet a potential or prospective client, the first question they will ask you is if you have a website. Years ago, the business card was the gold standard, the calling card if you will, to introduce your business to the public. While it’s still important to have that traditional business card, it’s also imperative that you have kept up with the times and have a website to promote your business as well. Here are the top 10 reasons why your business needs a simple, yet effective website.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Website #1- Extend Your Reach
Creating and maintaining a website allows you to extend your reach and contact more people than you could through word-of-mouth advertising or traditional methods. A website also helps to break geographic boundaries and allows you to extend your reach to generate more leads. Reaching customers that normally could not be reached is the beauty and number one advantage of creating a website.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Website #2- Create A Lasting, First Impression
Because your website is often the very first place a client will visit, this could be your only chance to make an impression and provide visitors with vital information. It also gives credibility, and a business with an established website conveys a sense of trust. A good first impression is key because it helps you stand out from the competition and ultimately helps to make a lasting impression that converts to sales.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Website #3- Fulfills The Need For Immediate Gratification
We are a society that has information available to us at the touch of a finger. So, when we want information, we want it fast and we want it now. Whether it be the price of a particular product or service, store locations, or product descriptions, we don’t have time to wait. A website provides information quickly so customers can make buying decisions faster.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Website #4- 24/7 Accessibility
Not only do we need immediate gratification, but as a society we want what we want … when we want it. A store front or an office building can only be open for so long, but a website allows your business to be open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week so a customer can shop or browse your services at any time. A website extends our reach beyond the constraints of opening and closing times and enables us to meet customer needs.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Website #5- Covid Friendly
If this year has taught us anything, it’s that a business that can operate remotely has an advantage in surviving during a pandemic. Social distancing has limited visitors in stores and office spaces, state regulations have prevented certain establishments from operating and quarantining has affected our ability to travel to traditional brick and mortar locations. Any organization that could reach out to new customers, stay in contact with existing customers and conduct business through a website are more likely to thrive.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Website #6- Stay In Constant Communication
An effective website allows us to continue to communicate even when official operating hours are over. Visitors can get updates on upcoming sales, policy changes, special promotions and additional products or services. A contact us page on a website is a valuable tool to collect data on new leads and potential future customers.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Website #7- Establish Authority
Having a website gives you a voice in the marketplace. It allows you to establish your knowledge, your authority and your expertise. Your website also creates a platform to convey that authority. Through blogs and testimonials from existing customers, you can establish and continue that authority far into the future.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Website #8- Relatively Low Marketing Costs
Creating an effective website doesn’t have to break the bank or the marketing budget. There are many website tools on the market today that will allow you to create a simple yet, effective website. Of course, you can leave it up to the professionals and delegate that responsibility. But, it doesn’t have to be difficult. A few hundred dollars will get you a domain name and a host provider which will allow you to create your presence in the marketplace.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Website #9- Mobile Friendly
Most of us don’t go anywhere without our smartphones which is why ensuring our website is mobile friendly is vital. One of the most popular times to search for a company website is when we are out and about. Having an established website, when customers are searching for a desired business nearby is the key to capturing your ideal target audience.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Website #10- Not Having A Website Could Be Detrimental
Not having a website may signal to potential customers that you lack resources, and it could affect credibility and professionalism. This could steer them away and send them to the competition. Plus, for anyone looking for information about your business, not finding your website is annoying. In today’s world, a business website is expected. As a business, you need to capture that need for immediate gratification and if you can’t, it could mean lost business.
Bonus Tip – Keep It Simple
These days, we are surrounded by clutter from every angle. Competitors, the media, other sites, social media – information is everywhere. In order to gain respect and attention, we need to keep it simple. If you decide to create a website on your own, a minimalistic approach is trending. White space that includes only the pertinent information is your best friend. The K.I.S.S., method as silly as it may seem , is the solution. Keeping it simple to let your customers focus on what’s important is key. Here are a few other tips that can help you keep your website simple, yet effective:
- Maximize White Space to Your Advantage – Make a Statement!
- Use Bold Colors but Don’t Overwhelm – Maximize Impact!
- Don’t Use Too Many Words – Avoid Clutter!
- Avoid Hidden Details – Make Sure Information is Easy to Find!
Knowing When To Call In The Experts
Many businesses are focused on the day-to-day and don’t have time to learn complicated applications that teach us how to create a website. And, that’s ok! This is when it’s time to focus on what you need to focus on and let the experts do the hard part. At BrandStar Tech, our goal is to help you grow bigger, better and faster. We would love to learn more about your business to discuss how we can help you accomplish your goals and create your success story. To learn more about our web and app development services, please contact us HERE or call (844) 200-2525.
