4 Reasons Why Your Small Business Needs a Website (Now!)

The Importance of a Website for Your Business

Question: When was the last time you opened a Yellow Pages book to look for a business? Do you even have a Yellow Pages book at home? Do you even know what a Yellow Pages book is? The case is closed. Your business needs a website.

Whether you have a small or large business, creating a website is practically inevitable in 2019. I mean, when was the last time you came across a business without a website – even a small one? It’s a rare occurrence nowadays – like unicorn rare. So, if your business is one of those rare unicorns, you better hop on the much needed and necessary bandwagon before your competition tramples you over (and that might very well happen if you don’t have a website). 😳

A decade ago, it would have been possible for your brick-and-mortar business to survive (and even thrive!) without a website, but today, that’s definitely no longer the case. In a digital world where everything is online, having a website is one of the best ways to get your name and business out there with potential customers who aren’t in your area. I mean, how else are they going to know about your business?

1. Access to More than Just the Local Market

If you only have a brick-and-mortar, the people who can reach you at best are those who live in your area or happen to walk by – which really constrains your potential customers. You completely ignore and disregard all the potential customers who might be interested in your products and/or services, but don’t live near you.

While definitely not a small business, we can learn a lesson or two from the heavily online advertised jewellery brand, Mejuri. In Vancouver, there are absolutely no physical store locations anywhere within a 100-mile radius. Heck, the closest one is in Toronto which is an expensive flight away. I don’t think anyone is willing to shell out $500 in flight tickets just to pick up jewellery. But what was Mejuri’s solution? They have an E-commerce platform for anyone who’s interested in purchasing their merchandise online. Magic. Problem solved with a website.

2. Enhances Your Credibility

If your business doesn’t have a website, it’s going to seem a little bit “off” or weird to your potential customers. Why? Because practically everyone else has one so they’re going to wonder why yours doesn’t.

If you head into an interview dressed in a polo, but all of your peers are dressed in suits, that might compromise your credibility. Likewise, if have a Facebook page, but don’t have a website, that might equally compromise your credibility.    

Having a website clearly showcases all of the important information and features your business has. Whether it’s your hours, contact information, mission, or even about your team, it’s important to tell your customers these details. Plus, you can showcase and even sell your products on your website, thereby, driving more sales. Who doesn’t want that?

3. Appear in Google Search Results

If you don’t have a website in the first place, how can you expect to appear on Google? Duh. Social media pages can only get you so far – especially with SEO. By having an actual website that’s optimized for search engines, you can appear on Google’s search results page (SERP) and be found by customers who didn’t even know they were looking for you.

In fact, being online is incredibly important. The majority of shoppers are doing their due diligence with online research before making an in-store purchase. So, if your potential customers can’t research your brand and learn more about it, then that’s a problem.

Are you going to make your purchase with a brand that has a lot of positive online reviews or are you going to make it with a brand that’s not even online? Case in point.

4. Collect Customer Data and Analytics

If you have a website, you can collect analytics and data from it using Google Search Console and Google Analytics. With data and information on your target market, you can get a better grasp on understanding their behaviours and needs – hence, helping you better market to them to see what works best.

While your business should have a website by now, if it hasn’t, I hope these reasons were persuasive enough for you! I mean, c’mon, it’s 2019! If you’re interested in building your website with Evilnut, contact us at service@evilnut.com or call us at 604.704.6188.