Key takeaways:
- A website lays the foundation for long-term business growth.
- A website expands your marketing reach and brings more visibility to your brand beyond social media.
- A website shows your customers you’re credible, active, and open to do business.
Wondering whether your business needs a website? The answer is yes. Having an online presence is expected of every business today. 89% of U.S. consumers research a business online, and 80% of those searches lead to conversions. Your competitors know this. They’re already online, capturing potential customers you haven’t reached yet.
Not convinced yet? Let’s explore the top ten reasons why your business deserves a website.
1. You can sell or take bookings online
A website becomes your 24/7 sales and booking tool. It lets your customers buy your products or book services from you even outside business hours.
In fact, eCommerce website builders makes it easier to set up an online store or add a booking feature without coding skills.
Site builders like Network Solutions offer built-in tools to manage inventory, accept payments, and schedule appointments.
2. It establishes credibility and professionalism
People expect a real business to have a website. If someone searches for your business and finds nothing, they might wonder if you’re legitimate or still operating. A website can help you show that you’re open for business.
Even a simple web page with your logo, operating hours, contact details, and a short business background can create a sense of stability and presence. It reassures your target audience that you’re present and ready to serve them.
3. It offers social proof
Word-of-mouth recommendations now happen virtually. A website gives you a dedicated space to showcase real feedback. Whether it’s a review of your products or a testimonial about your service, having these messages on your website builds trust among potential clients.
Unlike social media, where posts can get buried over time, a website keeps your best reviews front and center, eventually making them part of your brand story.
4. Customers can contact you at any time
People don’t always reach out during business hours. A website allows them to contact you at any time.
You can include a contact form, email, or a chatbot to handle quick questions. Many website builders now offer built-in chat features, so your site can respond instantly even when you’re offline.
This kind of availability shows that you’re ready to help, which builds trust and encourages people to reach out.
5. You control your online brand
When you rely on social media accounts, you limit your brand potential to their rules, design, and algorithm. With your own website, you have more control.
From colors and fonts to messaging and layout, a website can reflect your unique identity. You get to decide how you want to present your business. This control helps you stand out and make your brand more polished and intentional.
6. You show up in local search results
If you want to reach customers, a website can push your reach to new heights. A website increases the likelihood of appearing on Google when people look for your products or services.
For example, when people search for terms like “plumber near me”, they’ll see you. How? Search engines prioritize websites with local relevance, so having one increases your visibility.
7. It builds long-term SEO value
Building from the previous point, we know that people search for products and services on search engines like Google. Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your website appear on those search engine results pages (SERPs).
SEO is part of your overall marketing strategy. Think of it like setting up signposts that lead people to your business. The more helpful content your site has, the more likely it is to appear when someone searches for something related to what you offer.
This might seem overwhelming, but the good news is you don’t have to figure out SEO alone. Many website builders now offer built-in SEO tools. These tools guide you through choosing the right keywords, writing better page titles, and identifying what content to focus on, ensuring visibility over time.
8. You get insights from analytics (what’s working)
One of the best parts of having a website is that you can see what’s working. Website analytics show you how many people visit your site, what pages they look at, and how long they stay.
This kind of data helps you make smarter decisions. For example, if you notice that visitors are checking out your services but not contacting you, it might be a signal to update the page or add a clear call-to-action.
9. It’s easier to grow with add-ons
Your website grows along with your business. You might start with a homepage and a contact page. But as your needs grow, you can add new features like a blog, an online store, or a booking system.
These add-ons help you reach more people and offer more value without starting from scratch. Website builders today make it simple to incorporate add-ons easily when you’re ready, which is perfect for small and growing businesses.
This kind of flexibility is unmatched by other platforms. Social media platforms can be limiting and often can’t support your long-term growth. On the other hand, a website can grow when you need it to and when you can.
10. It becomes your business hub
Put everything together, and your website becomes the central hub for your business. It’s where people learn about you, view your products and services, read reviews, get in touch, and take action. Your business website brings it all together, making your brand more reliable and trustworthy.
Do I need a business website if I have a Facebook page?
Building your online presence solely on Facebook (or any social media channel for that matter) is like building your house on leased land. Imagine what happens to it when your lease is over or the lessor decides you’re out.
Facebook is free, easy to set up, and already where customers are. While it helps you connect with people, it comes with limits.
First, you don’t have full control of how your business appears since you can’t customize your page layout. Plus, you won’t even know whether your posts appear in people’s feeds. You are limited to Facebook’s algorithm.
Next, fewer people read Facebook reviews these days. Reviews shape the consumers’ decision-making process. So, if fewer people find reviews, it’s less likely for your products to sell.
Another concern is cost. But with modern technology, building a website has become more affordable. Whether you choose a DIY website builder or hire a professional, there are simple and cost-effective tools to suit nearly any budget.
So, while Facebook is a great tool, it shouldn’t be your only channel. A website gives you more control, credibility, and room to grow.
When do I need to create a website?
You can start creating a website whenever you want.
A common misconception is that you must have everything perfect before launching. But websites aren’t a one-time project. It’s a living part of your business, which you can develop over time.
Start small with a simple homepage, contact information, and details about your services. Then, keep building from there.
How to create a website in simple steps
Building a website today is easier than ever. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Choose a domain name. Your domain name is like your internet address. So, choose one that’s easy to remember and close to your brand name.
- Choose a hosting service provider. A hosting service stores your website’s data, making it accessible online. So, choose one that’s reliable and has the features to ensure your site performs well. Network Solutions is an all-in-one platform with hosting services that provides all your hosting needs.
- Pick a website builder. Choose a user-friendly website builder that suits your needs. Make sure they’re easy for beginners, offer customizable templates, and have built-in support for SEO and mobile responsiveness.
- Design your website. Start with a professional template and customize it to reflect your brand. Try keeping it clean and simple. This helps create a better customer experience.
- Create content. Creating content is an integral part of your SEO efforts. It also gives readers information about your business and your products.
- Set up navigation. Try a logical and straightforward menu. This helps visitors find what they need without frustration. Provide clear calls to action to direct them to the next step.
- Preview and test. Before launching your website, test it on desktop and mobile devices. Make sure buttons, forms, and navigation all work smoothly.
- Publish your website. If everything looks good, you can now go live. Your business is now accessible 24/7.
Launch a website and watch your business grow
A website can help your business grow and reach people across the globe. Building one can be easy, especially with modern and reliable tools. You can start small and scale as your business grows.
Network Solutions is a reliable and user-friendly content management system that offers hosting services, SEO tools, a website builder and everything you need to create a solid website.
Frequently asked questions
Without a website, a business could miss out on potential customers who rely on online searches. This limits visibility, credibility, and growth in an industry where competitors are mostly online.
Yes. Network Solutions offers a DIY website builder powered by AI. This tool helps you set up a website in a few minutes. Plus, it’s intuitive and affordable.
Some platforms do offer free website builders. However, creating and owning a professional website isn’t entirely free. Building a website requires web hosting, domain registration, and adding layers of security, all of which come with costs.
Typically, yes. Web hosting, domain registration, and other services may require monthly fees. However, costs can vary depending on the platform and your chosen plans.
Building a website can be affordable, especially using website builders that reduce design and development costs. Network Solutions offers flexible plans with affordable and transparent pricing, helping customers focus on creating, promoting, and managing their professional websites.
