Why do I need a website for my small business?

When you’ve already got a great product or service that you’ve poured your heart and soul into, it may be hard to switch gears to focus on building a website. Maybe your business is already thriving. Even the best business needs a strong online presence in today’s digital media driven world. The first step is setting up a great website that represents your brand and business. Before taking that first step make time to deeply consider how you would want your brand perceived by others. Are you wanting to wow them with glam and luxury? Are you wanting to present as more traditionally professional? Maybe you want to shock people with bold and funky style. No matter what you land on, a well-designed website will add incredible value to your small business and here are five ways it can do just that.

1. Present your business in your style. This helps give you some control over how others may perceive your organization. Keep in mind that the style you choose should be reflected throughout your whole company. That means that your business space, dress code/personal style, and communication materials should match that aesthetic.

2. It builds credibility. In this age, not having a website or online presence can really make people stop and question your legitimacy. You want people to have confidence in your business and ability. Your website is often a first impression and can help potential customers feel a sense of security when choosing you over the competition.

3. Having a great website can increase leads. Every visitor to your site is an opportunity for growth in multiple ways. People will be able to find what you’re offering and gain information to help with their final decision. Then those people could become loyal customers, leave rave reviews, and tell their friends about the work you’re doing.

4. It can improve customer experiences. People don’t want to have to call for their easy questions and most will appreciate being able to just find the hours of operations or similar information on your website. You can also create tools for them to use for a better online visit. That could look like scheduling options, commonly asked questions, payment button, or important updates and announcements.

5. You and your employees will save valuable time. When people are able to find your organization online to gather needed information, your time can be spent focusing on other aspects of business instead of answering phones to tell the hours of operation or other topics that could be easily presented online for their convenience.

It can seem overwhelming to start a website, especially if it’s all completely new to you. My pro-tip: Make sure that your website answers those basic questions quickly. The classic “who, what, when, where, why, and how” are a great guide. Who are you? What do you do or sell? When are you open? Where are you located? Why should they choose you? How can they contact you? The “why” can be big question so if you want to just cover the rest at first, that’s okay and will still be great! As always, I highly recommend working with a professional in web design or communications that will help streamline the process and give invaluable insight.