When you’re trying to get started in business, money is sure to be tight. You’ll be looking to bypass extras and stick to the basics. That’s when you’ll ask yourself the website-avoidance question. “Does my business need a website? Seriously, can’t I run a business without a website?” Well, according to Google, you seriously can’t and at the bare minimum need a simple website.
Importance of a website.
84% of users believe that if your business doesn’t have a website, then you are not legit. According to the world’s top search engine, that was the understanding of most people even before the pandemic. With the world as it is now, a website for your business is more important than ever. According to HubSpot, “COVID-19 has altered the retail landscape, with millions of shoppers looking for everything from books to clips to houses to natural gas and more. So while you dither, your competitor has likely seen how effective a website can be for their business.”
Running a business without a digital presence is like running a business with an empty parking lot. No one will show up on your doorstep if they don’t know you exist. Hubspot notes that “billions of searches are conducted online each day; 88% of consumers conduct online research before making any purchase.” So don’t bother asking “Does my business need a website?” Move right on to considering what kind of website will suit your needs. Because fortunately designing your business website and taking it live is not nearly as complicated as it used to be.
A simple website can be very effective.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of Google’s features and tools for running your business interactions. But running a small business doesn’t mean you need all that. Your website might not require a team or even a single employee at your disposal. How to tell? Now that you’ve moved past your “does my business need a website” question, you may find your answer in “WHY does my business need a website?”
Success in your small business starts with understanding your audience and their needs. You need to deliver what they are currently searching for and make sure they can easily find you. If your offer is straightforward, a one-page website may be enough. If your business model is more complex, though, you might need a little more than a single-page site. Additional pages on your site can show what you offer and how you can help. You may want to add an online store for the products that you sell, or a blog to help with SEO. Up to you!
What is the average cost of a simple website?
The costs of having and hosting a website can vary tremendously. Your design can range from under $1,000 to over $75,000. Annual maintenance can range as well. Why would there be such a wide gap in pricing? You might be a small business that only needs a site that has information. You might need a site that allows for e-commerce with shopping cart features. The business you’re in may require a lot of videos and animation. What you need and want may require a lot of programming. Database-driven sites run even higher in cost. The size of the price tag will be determined by the price and features that you want to offer. Since the options are so many, it’s best to speak to a professional who can guide you. But don’t be intimidated by all the big dollar signs. You should be able to find a pro whose services are affordable. And these days many beginning entrepreneurs create websites on their own. A number of free tools are available online. When push comes to shove, you’ve probably got a friend who could walk you through the process.
Does my business need a website even if I’m on social media?
The second most common avoidance question isn’t about fear of overspending but fear of overwork. You ask, “Isn’t it enough to post on social media without having to build a website too?” Sorry: it isn’t. To establish real credibility, you need your website and social media. But here’s the good news. You can and should plan your content so that your website and your social media interact. That way you get twice the mileage out of your work. For example, let’s say you have a Facebook page for your business. Great! If they’re interested in your Facebook content, your followers will go searching for more detail on your website. Once they’re on your real estate, you can activate lots of other ways to capture their attention.
The website for your business lets you deliver more content and, most of all gives you the opportunity to capture your customers’ contact info. What’s more, you can repost links to that same content on Facebook. You’ll be able to engage your followers in a journey where there’s always a reason to come back. In other words, you’ll be grooming loyal, repeat customers. You’ll be building relationships. And that’s why your business needs social media and a website!
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Before you jump in, here’s an idea. Why not talk to an expert who can help you organize your thoughts and prioritize your goals for your business? Let’s discuss how we can create something that puts your business where your potential customers are. Head over to our website services page to learn more and contact us to have a chat.
