Even if you have a small business with a limited number of employees and don’t sell online, you still need a website. Why is that? If you have a site, it helps you not to lose customers to competitors who already have one. Moreover, are you absolutely sure you can’t sell products online?

Since the COVID pandemic, the commercial landscape has changed drastically. There are millions of online shoppers looking for anything from books and notebooks to household products, furniture, and much more.

So, while you hesitate, your competitor realizes how effective a website can be for their business. In this article, Raisis Software offers you 10 reasons why a website is necessary for your business. In the end, the decision is yours.

If I have a Facebook page, do I need a website too?

It’s a common thing for businesses to rely solely on Facebook or other social platforms as their main advertising channels. These provide some advantages and allow you to conduct market research. However, a Facebook page cannot replace the website.

Think about what could happen if one day Facebook decides not to support businesses anymore? If your Facebook page were the only online presence, all the customers and followers you’ve gained would disappear.

In fact, not long ago, Facebook was globally inaccessible, causing moments of panic. And while it’s unlikely for Facebook to stop supporting businesses, you have no say in the changes Facebook chooses to implement. However, in the case of the website, you have complete control over its appearance and functionality.

Facebook has limitations in SEO

And this should be the main reason why a Facebook page should not be your only online presence.

Where do you go when you want to search for a local business, on Facebook or on Google? The 3.5 billion daily searches on Google show that most people turn to search engines instead of using social networks to find information.

A business website allows you to position yourself so that people can find you when searching for the products you sell or the services you offer.

Even if you can easily compete with larger websites, you can optimize your site for local searches to attract an audience in your area.

A website inspires more trust

A business website is a symbol of trust, and people only buy from businesses they know, like, and trust. So, while it might be faster to create a Facebook page, you’ll be able to have more authority and trust with a business website.

Why have a website for your business

Whether you have a small or large business, a business website offers numerous advantages. Here are the most significant benefits of a business website:

A website ensures a real and unified image, based on your business brand manual

Anyone can create a company page on Facebook; it’s free and can be done in seconds. This low entry barrier removes much of the credibility of a business social page. Customers don’t know who’s behind a Facebook page, where they are, and if everything is a scam.

On the other hand, creating a business website is not free and indicates that you are relatively serious about your business. Therefore, a business website provides a more professional and credible look.

It is an essential step in the customer journey

An effective website is where you want your audience from different channels to end up. On the website, you’ll inspire potential customers to take action. The website is like a physical store – people pass by it until they come in to see what you offer.

So, even if they don’t buy something on the first visit, they might buy on subsequent visits. Similarly, customers discover your business through different channels, such as feeds and social ads.

It’s the perfect way to show people who you are, what you do, and what you believe in. This way, they can decide if they remain loyal to you or not.

A website increases visibility. There are over 4.5 billion active internet users worldwide, and over 90% of them access the internet via mobile devices. Without a website, your business is practically invisible to these people.

It is essential for local businesses. Many small business owners don’t see the need to invest in an effective business website. However, currently, they are missing out on an incredible source of revenue. The following statistics show how important a website is for a local business: 46% of Google searches include local intent, 97% of users use searches to find local businesses, 28% of users have purchased a product after a local search, 70% of users will visit a store based on what they find online.

One of the best things about investing in a business website is that it continues to generate value even years after you created it. When you pay for ads on social media, potential customers see the ads only as long as you run them. If they don’t see them, you’ll have to pay again for the advertising campaign.

On the other hand, a business website offers a long-term return on investment. Even if it doesn’t bring in revenue in the first year, you have time to adjust things until you get returns.

Creating a website is easier and cheaper than you think

Many business owners refuse to create a website because they think it’s difficult and costly. However, this is not true. It has never been easier and cheaper to have a high-quality site.

Even as a small business, an effective website allows you to compete with the “big players” in your industry. If you play your cards right and optimize your website properly, you may surpass large sites and get potential customers organically from search engines.

If the idea of a website for your business already appeals to you, discover the Raisis Software project portfolio and contact us about your project.