As an agency that creates a lot of websites — thousands of them, in fact — we frequently get the same question:
“Do I need a website for my business?”
After all, there was a time when no business had a website because there was no internet at all. Businesses did just fine back then! It’s understandable that some business owners wonder why this concept that didn’t exist a few short decades ago is now considered essential.
So let’s clear the air once and for all.
At Five by Five, we build great-looking, high-performing websites, and are known as one of the Gold Coast & Australia’s leading WordPress web design & SEO agencies. We have 16+ years of experience in the web design industry. If you or your business need a new, high-performing digital solution, then contact us today and find out why we have 200+ 5* Google reviews.
Why are Websites Important for Businesses?
Let’s start off by answering the main question:
“Do I need a website for my business?”
Yes. Yes. A thousand times, yes.
A website is essential for success in the modern age, regardless of the type of business you have. Not only does it give customers a way to learn about your products and services, but it also allows you to reach a wider audience than ever before. In fact, a recent study found that businesses with an active website are twice as likely to be successful as those without one. And consider this — even if you’re decidedly anti-website, at least one (if not all) of your competitors will have one.
Why Do I Need a Website for My Business: 8 Reasons
Not convinced? Here are eight reasons why your business must have a website.
1. Website SEO strategy is essential
In order to draw in visitors to your business, your website needs to be optimised for search engines. This process, known as SEO, can seem daunting, but it is essential for anyone who wants their website to be seen by potential customers. There are many different elements to SEO, but one of the most important is choosing the right keywords. These are the words and phrases that people use when they search for products or services like yours. By sprinkling these keywords throughout your website content, you can help ensure that your site appears near the top of search results. In today’s competitive market, appearing on the first page of results is essential for businesses of all sizes. So, if you’re not already using SEO to improve your website, now is the time to start.
2. A website gives your business credibility
Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your company. And as we all know, first impressions are everything. So how can you make sure your website conveys credibility? Here are a few key elements:
- A professional design: A website that looks like it was designed by a pro conveys that you’re a serious business that takes pride in its online presence.
- Up-to-date content: Regularly updating your website demonstrates that you’re keeping up with the latest trends and information in your industry. Additionally, this conveys that you’re cutting edge and can be trusted to provide accurate, timely information
- Industry credentials: If your business has any industry credentials or awards, be sure to showcase them prominently on your website. Recognition through awards shows that you’re a company others respect and in turn helps build trust with potential customers.
By paying attention to these key elements, you can help ensure that your website conveys the credibility of a business that is professional, up-to-date, and trustworthy.
3. Give customers confidence in your product or services
Customers should be able to easily navigate your site and find the information they’re looking for. Your products or services should be clearly described, and your pricing should be transparent. In addition, the site should be secure and free of glitches. There’s nothing that will send users away— and get you penalized in search results— like a site that loads slowly or fails to load at all. By taking these measures, you can give customers the confidence they need to do business with you. After all, if your website looks reliable, chances are your products and services will be too.
4. Show your success stories, reviews, and testimonials
As any business owner knows, getting raving reviews from happy customers is one of the best ways to show off your company’s success. And what better platform to do that than on your website? By prominently displaying reviews and success stories on your site, you can give visitors an insight into what it’s like to work with your business – and why they should choose you over the competition.
Of course, it’s not enough to post any old review or success story. The key is to carefully curate the ones you display so that they really show off your company in the best light. Make sure you include a mix of positive reviews and inspiring success stories so that visitors get a well-rounded picture of what your business is all about. And most importantly, have fun with it! After all, there’s no better way to show off your company’s personality than through sharing some of your most glowing customer reviews.
5. Provide all your contact info in one place
One of the most important functions of a website is to provide visitors with easy access to information about your business, including your contact information. Having all of your contract information in one place makes it easy for customers to get in touch with you – whether they’re looking to make a purchase or simply have a question about your products or services. Convenience can go a long way toward building trust and loyalty among your customer base. In today’s competitive marketplace, giving your customers one place to find all of your contact information can be the difference between winning their business or losing it to a competitor.
6. Help people find your business location
Anyone who has tried to find a business knows the frustrating feeling of coming up empty-handed. Whether you’re looking for a new restaurant or a local shop, it can be difficult to track down the businesses you’re interested in. That’s where websites come in. By including your business location on your website, you make it easy for potential customers to find you. No more driving around aimlessly or searching for hours on Google Maps. Just enter your address into the search bar and boom! You’re there. So next time you’re thinking about skipping the whole “location” thing on your website, remember that it’s essential for helping people find your business. Trust us, it’s worth the effort.
7. Stay competitive in your space
Not every company can afford a massive print or television marketing campaign, but every business can afford a website. A website levels the playing field, giving you the same potential to reach a global audience as the largest corporation. If you have the right mix of content and design, you can turn browsers into buyers without breaking the bank. So, whether you’re looking to attract new customers or simply keeping the ones you have, remember: a website can give your business the boost it needs to stay ahead of the competition.
8. Massive return on investment relative to cost
A website is a bit like an ATM machine. You make a small investment – let’s say, a few hundred dollars – and then once it’s set up, it spits money back at you 24/7, 365 days per year. Unlike an ATM machine, a website has the potential to generate an endless stream of revenue. So, if you’re looking for a solid return on investment, a website is definitely worth your time and money. Plus, unlike an ATM machine, you don’t have to worry about someone robbing your website in the middle of the night.
Building a Website for My Business: DIY or Professional?
You could be the best pie-maker in the world but if no one knows your pies exist, what’s the point? The same goes for your website; just because you build it, doesn’t mean they will come. Even if they do come, what are they going to do when they get there? It’s not enough to have a website these days. You need a website that reflects the unique voice of your business, speaks to your target audience, is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly and regularly updated with fresh content. In other words, you need a website that is managed by a team of digital marketing experts.
Save yourself the headache and leave it to the professionals. Hire Five by Five as your digital marketing agency to create and manage your website, execute a masterful SEO strategy, and bring customers to your website so you can focus on what you do best: making delicious pies (or, you know, whatever it is you do). Contact us today, and let’s share your magic – together.
