“Do I Really Need A Website?”
Having a Cohesive, Well-Designed, Functional Website as a Small Business or Start-Up is Important for Your Business. Here’s Why:
In the world of startup and small business management, how you use your limited resources, such as money and time, will directly impact your small business's ability to grow sustainably and stay competitive.
Though there are many different ways you can invest these resources into your business, nothing compares to the potential for high returns as an engaging, well-designed website does.
A well-designed website is essential for a small business to thrive as it can function as a digital representation of your business. It serves as a means to establish a presence in your industry, competing effectively against competitors and a way to give your business its credibility.
A Website Is A Potential Clients & Customers First Impression Of Your Business
In order to grow your business, you must gain and maintain an established clientele or customer base. One of the best ways to do this is by having a website for your business. Your website acts as a first impression for new clients and keeps relationships with existing ones.
According to Forbes' article on 2024 website statistics, users form an opinion about a website in 0.05 seconds. It is essential for your website to create a strong and lasting first impression.
If you have a hard to navigate website, it leaves clients and customers with a bad taste in their mouth, leading them to overlook your business and not want to engage with the brand, or continue to engage with your product or service.
A Zippa.com article on essential small business website statistics states that 38% of customers or clients will stop engaging with a website if it doesn’t have an appealing layout, while around 40% of users will leave a slow website.
Having a functional website that is easy to navigate, easy to interact with, and informs people on what it is your business does and how it would benefit them to work with you, will make them want to engage more with your business.
A Website Acts As A Digital Extension Of Your Business
A business website will act as an extension of your business. Again, if your website is disorganized and hard to navigate, customers and clients may assume your business is also disorganized and may not want to commit to you.
Your website must be a place where potential customers and clients can go to learn more about your business and why they should work with you. It should also be where all of the important information, such as contact information and business hours, about your business should be so people are able to find it all in one place.
An Enterprise Apps Today article on web design statistics in 2024 states that 51% of people think that thorough contact information is the most important element missing from many company websites.
Zippa.com states that 44% of B2B buyers will abandon a small business website with no contact information.
It is important that your website has that information available and easily accessible… Remember, your website should be the gateway to your brand!
It Expands Your Business’s Outreach
In the digital age, a website makes it easier for small businesses to leave their local bubble and expand their business outward.
Having a website expands your business’s outreach past just being local.
It is important for anyone to be able to look up your business online no matter where they are and what time of day it is.
This is especially important for small businesses who are looking to sell their products as it opens up opportunities for them to grow beyond local.
Zippa.com found that:
81% of shoppers choose to research a business online before making a purchase
62% of consumers share online deals with their friends
81% prefer to trust the advice of family and friends over businesses.
Gives Your Business More Credibility
Not having a website for your small business makes potential customers and clients more suspicious of your business, leading them to question the legitimacy of your business.
Many people will shy away from newer things, especially if there is a brand within your industry that is more widely known and trusted.
Enterprise Apps Today says that 75% of website credibility is determined by its design and Small Business Web found that consumers feel safe about businesses with websites.
8 out of 10 customers are likely to engage with your business if it has a website as it is more trustworthy, especially if the contact information from Google matches the contact information on the website.
Most large and small businesses in the modern age have well made websites as it is a criteria for customers and clients to determine trustworthiness.
Helps Your Business Compete With Others
Continuing with the previous point, local small businesses can use a website to connect with their local community and customers. Having a well designed website also gives you and your business a ground where it can stand to compete with other local businesses.
Enterprise Apps Today’s article states 89% of consumers turn to a competitor after a poor user experience.
It is important to have a functioning and well designed website for your business that can open up opportunities, bring in more leads, and help you become competitive with other businesses regardless of their size.
A Website Is Crucial To Have In This Digital Age
In the age where everything is online, having a website is crucial for your business. It can help new customers and clients find you as well as keep existing customers and clients connected and up to date with anything going on with your business.
According to Small Business Web’s article, more consumers are going mobile and are online. Having a website compatible with a phone, tablet, or desktop will lead to more traffic for your business.
Having a website is the line that connects you with the customers and clients you currently have while also allowing new prospects to find you.
A well structured and designed website is also one of your biggest, and most cost-effective, marketing tools for your small business.
Having a functional website serves as more than just a digital storefront; it acts as a starting point for your small business’s success, shaping perceptions, extending reach, and giving credibility.
As small businesses and start-ups navigate the ocean of complexities and challenges in the digital age, investing in a well-designed website is detrimental for sustained growth and competitiveness.
If you are a start-up or small business owner looking for a website that stands out, reaches potential clients, and represents your brand- you are in the right place!
Partner with Gold Leaf Business Solutions to give your business the quality and competitiveness it deserves. Our expertise can help you create a website that not only captures attention but also drives results. Contact us today to get started on your journey to online success!
