Word of Mouth Won’t Cut It

10 Reasons why all small businesses need a website

In this day and age not being present on a digital platform can truly hurt your business exponentially.  About 60% of very small businesses (those with one to five employees) do not have a website, rather opting for a Facebook page due to familiarity and cost.  However, Facebook will only get your business in front of your immediate friends and maybe their friends.  In order to gain reach and credibility, a professional looking website is imperative.  It will not only showcase your products/services but as you add to your website, it will start to increase the likelihood that you appear as the top choice in your area within your industry.  

Word of mouth marketing is still a very effective and inexpensive way to gain customers, however, it should be paired with a wonderful website.  Your website is the face of your business and first impressions are everything.  Still not convinced that you need a website?  Read on to find out why you may be missing out.  

Why You Need a Website

• Credibility – As mentioned previously, first impressions are everything.  Your website should portray your business as the leading business in the market.  Captive visuals, concise descriptions of your services, and ease of navigation should be a priority when creating your website.  

• Low overhead – If your products or services can be purchased completely online, then why pay for a brick and mortar location when you can house your entire business online?   There are many businesses such as consulting services, copywriting, tutoring, etc. that can be offered solely online and with very minimal annual overhead costs to maintain a website.  

• Always open – After you close your doors each night, your website could be that invaluable employee keeping your business open 24/7.  Products and services can be purchased long after you shut your doors.  You could be missing potential customers that possibly cannot make it to your location.

• Creating a community – By integrating a blog, suggestions box, or service portal within your website, you are putting your customer’s needs at the forefront of your concern and it will surely be noticed.  Customers who feel informed and heard are more likely to return than those that cannot communicate with your business.  

• Enhanced customer service – Linked with creating community, by adding an FAQ section, or ticket system for customer concerns you could potentially reduce your customer service costs and give you time to process a response or corrective action.

• Networking – Once you establish a website, you become part of a community of other business owners within the same market and it creates opportunities for collaboration.  Other business owners will feel compelled to visit your site to see how you align with the market and your competitors.  By working together, you could help each other grow your business.  

• Time is money – A website saves you time.  Without the need to continuously explain your services on the phone, face-to-face, in a brochure, or in emails; with an online catalog, you can provide lots of information about your products and services. Once your website is up and running, it is available to your customers indefinitely, saving you time.

• Increased reach – With a website, you are connected to the world. Instead of thinking just locally, you can now market your products/services to the world. The sky’s the limit.
• Attract new customers – One of the top reasons your website must look professional is for the potential of attracting new customers daily.  As consumers shift to online access for products and services, you must make yourself accessible and present.  You may find prospects in multiple stages of the sales process.  Therefore, make sure your website not only tends to the current customer base but also suppliers, researchers, and purchasers.  
• More sales – At the end of the day, your business revolves around the sale. Whether you’re selling products/services or a mission, you need a place to do it.  Building an online sales service for items found within your store will undoubtedly increase sales.  Allowing for people to make reservations within your website will increase sales.  Presenting the mission of your business within a well-designed website will gain you, followers. No matter what you are selling, a website should be seen as a tool to do so.

The digital age of marketing is here whether you are prepared for it or not.  In order to compete and keep your business relevant and afloat, you must take the first step and a website is one in the right direction.  If you would like more information regarding a website for your business, contact the inMark Media team, which is dedicated to making your business grow.

 

source https://inmarkmg.com/web-development/word-of-mouth-wont-cut-it/