Solopreneurs. Mompreneuers. Mom-and-pop shops. One-man bands. Man-with-a-van-with-a-plan.
Call them what you like, small and micro enterprises are important to our economy. They create jobs, drive innovation and foster growth.
But to grow, these businesses need to market their products and services. A website is a critical tool to make this happen. It’s like having a digital storefront that’s always open, even when you’re not.
For many small business owners, however, having a website developed seems too costly, too complicated and too confusing.
The reality is that it’s one of the most simple, cost-effective ways of reaching a wider audience, building credibility, and growing your business.
Here’s why websites are so important for small businesses:
Credibility and visibility
A website makes your business look professional and established. People are more likely to trust a business with a website, and it increases your chances of showing up in search results when potential customers look for your kind of business.
Did you know that around 96% of potential clients learn about a business online? While this figure includes social media marketing, it’s important to remember that a website acts as your central hub, pulling all your online efforts together.
It’s the perfect platform to showcase your company’s products and services, tell your brand story, and establish yourself as an authority in your industry.
According to Moz, your website is the “one area of the web your company fully controls”. So ensure it’s high-quality and optimised for local searches to attract customers in your area.
According to Forbes, quoting TopDesignFirms, research from 2023 indicated that 43% of small businesses planned to invest in their website performance as owners understand the potential for growth by having a strong online presence.
Content marketing powerhouse
Your website can be a powerful content marketing tool. It’s not just about listing products and services – it’s about creating valuable content that informs, educates, and engages your audience.
Blogs are a great way to achieve your content marketing goals. They are the most common form of content marketing and a valuable source of leads for many companies.
Studies by DemandMetric show that 59% of B2B markets consider blogs their most valuable channel, and companies with active blogs generate 67% more leads than those without.
By consistently publishing high-quality blog posts, articles, or videos relevant to your target audience, you can attract visitors who are genuinely interested in what you offer. This content positions you as a thought leader and builds trust with potential customers.
Always-on sales machine
Your website can work for you 24/7, even when you’re closed. Customers can browse your products or services, learn more about your business, and even make purchases at any time.
However, simply having a website isn’t enough. To convert visitors into customers, you need clear calls to action (CTAs).
These are prompts that tell visitors what you want them to do next, whether it’s contacting you for a quote, signing up for your email list, or making a purchase.
Research by Launch North shows that a whopping 70% of small business websites lack CTAs on their home pages. This is a missed opportunity!
By including clear and compelling CTAs throughout your website, you can significantly increase your conversion rates and turn website visitors into paying customers.
Building relationships
Your website is a two-way communication channel. You can provide information about your business, answer frequently asked questions (FAQs), and include contact details.
But you can also go beyond that and add features like live chat or chatbots to have real-time conversations with potential customers.
A website allows you to build relationships with your audience. By responding to questions and comments promptly, you can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to customer service. This fosters trust and loyalty, which are essential for sustainable business growth.
Invest in digital success
When budgets are tight, it’s tempting to use website-building tools and platforms that are promoted as easy to use and affordable.
However, bear in mind that these have limitations in customisation and functionality compared to a custom-built website. And chances are you will waste more time building a site than you need to. A professionally designed website can cost less than you think.
Overall, a website is an essential investment for small and micro businesses. It’s a cost-effective way to reach a wider audience, build credibility, generate leads, and grow your business.
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