68% of Indian small and medium businesses do not have a website. Most small and medium businesses think hard whether they need to invest in a website. The simple excuse is that their customers do not search online, hence they do not need an online presence. But this is far from the truth. With the pandemic in 2020 closing down physical shops, many customers had to search online for their requirements. And if you didn’t have a website or an online presence, then you would have lost out to competition.
No matter how small or large the business is, in today’s tech driven world, it is imperative to have a website. The major benefits of having a website are listed below:
1.It shows that the business is operational.
A working website tells your customers that your business is running and operational. On the other hand, if you don’t have a website, many people may think that your business no longer exists. So, having a website is indirectly like having a sign on your shop which says “We’re open for business”.
2. It enhances your reputation.
Today’s generation of tech-savvy internet users think very low of a business which does not have a website. It gives a perception that you are too small or too cheap, both of which reflect poorly on your reputation. On the other hand, if netizens can find and open your website, it puts your reputation above other similar businesses which do not have a website. A website enhances your reputation.
3. It answers lots of questions.
Your potential customers may have lots of questions about your business, location, work timings, products, services, payment methods, returns, refunds, other terms and conditions, etc. All these can be mentioned in your website, hence saving your customers and yourself a lot of time in answering routine questions.
4. It is your unpaid salesman !
Yes, your website can become your unpaid salesman. Once you build it and fill it up with the right information about your business, products and services, it then does the talking and the selling to your potential customers.
5. Extends your geographical scope.
Since people from anywhere can find your website on the internet, it actually expands your reach without you physically having to open office in far off areas.
6. Generates leads.
If you have a contact form or a phone number on your website, your website can capture leads from potential customers. You can also store these emails in order to run email marketing campaigns later on.
7. Perform SEO.
If you do SEO correctly, you can appear on top of search results for user searches relevant to your business. This will give you a huge scope for further business. Also, being on top of search results enhances your brand value a lot.
8. Allows you to differentiate.
The content in your website allows you to differentiate yourself from your competition. A differentiated business is always much more precious to customers than a non-differentiated business (commodity).
9. Highlight any promotions.
Your website offers you the most cost effective way to highlight any ongoing sales and promotions. Your customers too can find out about any such promotions by accessing your website.
10. Social media’s diminishing reach.
If you think that your Facebook / Instagram, etc page is sufficient, then its time to realize that these platforms are continuously making changes to their algorithm. You can no longer be guaranteed of organic reach through these social media platforms. Also, these platforms are not owned by you. If tomorrow these platforms delete your page for any reason, you will be left high and dry. Better invest in your own website which you can then use to outreach the potential customer base.
11. Even if you already have enough customers.
Many businesses think they already have sufficient customers that they cannot meet up the demand. But while a website can increase your customer base, it is not the only thing it can do. For e.g. it can provide information to your existing customer base. It can provide information on your holidays or non-working time. It can talk about an upcoming promotion, etc. Hence, do not ditch the website even if you think you have sufficient business already.
12. Creative display.
Your creativity and your web developer’s skill can be used to create a very unique website which reflects your brand personality in a very creative manner. Potential customers generally view a distinct website very favourably, and it can help you garner more leads.
Whatever your reason for not having a website till now, don’t be left behind in this 2nd decade of the 21st century. Take the first steps to build your website and your online presence.
Contact us to start a discussion and get a quote.
