In an era of social media, having a company website is as crucial as having a shop, office or telephone number. A simple way to view a website is that it is your online business. This is where your customers, clients and associates go to find you on the Internet.

A business’s online presence, regardless of the industry, plays a huge role in the success of the business. Majority of the times customers tend to visit the business’s website before making a purchase from them.

LEGITIMACY

Having a website means you have your own domain. It legitimizes your business and improves your credibility. It gives your business an identity and is virtual proof that it actually exists. It also serves as a great way to share your story; tell your audience why you started the business, your goals and what you hope to accomplish with it in the long run. By clearly establishing who you are, what you represent and what you stand for, you increase the chances of your customers buying from you. 

LEADS

One of the most intriguing reasons to have a website for your business is because it can increase your chances of getting leads. Once people find you online, become interested in your product or service and want to know more, they’ll know how to contact you thanks to the information on your website, which gives you the opportunity to increase your sales. 

ORGANIC TRAFFIC

Once you’re online and have a SEO-optimized website, you have a chance of showing up in Google search results. This means that when people are searching for a product or service, there is a chance that that your product will show up in the results. This gives you the opportunity to drastically increase your your customer base. 

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR BUSINESS

One of the most significant benefits of having a website for a small business is that you can keep track of its performance in real time through the use of analytics. Analytics will provide you valuable data on how your business has been moving within a certain period of time. 

KEEP YOUR BUISNESS OPEN 24/7

Your customers can find you 27/7, because unlike a commercial establishment, the internet does not have operating hours. There are no holidays and you can “work overtime” without incurring extra costs. 

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE AGAINST COMPETITORS

 A website helps you stay ahead of your competition or at least keep pace with them. It does not look good on your brand if your competition has a website and you don’t. Having a website gives you one extra stream of revenue to help your business stay profitable. 

SAVING YOUR TIME 

Many businesses get calls from prospects or existing clients asking simple questions about location and hours of operation. If you miss a call, the customer is left unhappy. A website can reduce these calls and increase internal productivity which increases sales. At the same time, it helps customers find useful information without needing to call. 

CREDIBILITY

Having a website increases your organization’s credibility. Chances are there are several providers offering a similar service to yours. One way you can stand out is by having a website that looks good and clearly communicates quality information to your consumers.  

MAKE SALES ONLINE 

A website also provides you with an entirely channel to you can use to make sales. Setting up an online store is simple and can be combined with your regular business site. 

MARKET EXPANSION 

As your site is accessible to anyone all over the world, the ability to break through geographical barriers has never been easier. Anyone, from any country, will be able to find your company and will become a potential customer.

A website is not an expense. It is an investment because you should expect a return on your money within a period of time. If you want an effective website or one that can help you take your business to another level, you have to be prepared to invest in one.