Having a website is no longer just an option for small businesses…

In today’s digital age, having a website is no longer just an option for small businesses, it is a necessity. With more and more consumers turning to online channels to find products and services, businesses without a website risk being left behind. In this article, we will explore the importance of developing a website for small businesses.

Back To Basics

A website is a collection of web pages that are accessed by a domain name. It is a virtual storefront that allows businesses to showcase their products and services to potential customers. Having a website is crucial for small businesses to establish an online presence and to compete with larger businesses that have a well-established online presence.

Visibility And Credibility

One of the most significant benefits of having a website is increased visibility. With a website, businesses can reach a wider audience and expand their customer base. By optimising their website for search engines, businesses can drive more traffic to their site and increase their chances of being discovered by potential customers.

A website also adds credibility to a business. In today’s digital age, customers expect businesses to have an online presence. A website provides a platform for businesses to showcase their products and services, as well as their customer reviews and testimonials. This can help build trust and credibility with potential customers.

Customer Engagement

Customer engagement is another critical benefit of having a website. A website can provide customers with a way to communicate with businesses, whether it be through a contact form, email, or live chat. This can help businesses build better relationships with their customers and provide better customer service.

Case Studies

Now, let’s look at some case studies of small businesses that have successfully leveraged their websites to grow their online presence and customer base. One such example is a local bakery that started selling its products online through its website. This allowed the bakery to reach a wider audience and increase its sales by 50%.

Another example is a small boutique that used its website to showcase its products and offer online ordering and shipping. This helped the boutique reach customers outside of its local area and increase its sales by 75%.

Despite the clear benefits of having a website, many small businesses may face challenges in building a website. However, there are practical tips and solutions to overcome these challenges. For example, there are many website builders and templates available that can make building a website easier and more affordable. Additionally, small businesses can consider hiring a freelance web designer or developer to build their website for them.

It’s Risky Without A Website

The risks of not having a website can be significant. Without a website, small businesses may miss out on opportunities to reach potential customers and increase their sales. They may also lose revenue to competitors that have a well-established online presence.

In conclusion, having a website is no longer just a nice-to-have for small businesses, it is a necessity. A website can help businesses increase their visibility, credibility, and customer engagement. By leveraging the benefits of a website and addressing potential challenges, small businesses can build a strong online presence and compete with larger businesses in today’s digital marketplace.

Free Online Website Builders Vs Hiring A Freelance Web Developer

There are quite a few online website builder websites out there and each one has its own ways of working. It is a quick way of getting a simple site up and running. To increase complexity and add on more facilities, you will need to pay ongoing subscriptions which will vary depending on your needs. However this can all be quite daunting for many people and they would rather just hand it all over to someone who understands all the ins and outs of developing a decent website.

Web Design Imagineers provides such a service and is happy to work with pretty much any budget. I provide websites from a simple one page online brochure, up to the more complex ecommerce websites.

The best thing to do is drop me a line and let’s have a chat. Always happy to oblige!

Graham McLusky

graham@webdesign-imagineers.co.uk