When it seems that social media rule the Internet, you might ask yourself, “Do I need a website?” The answer is yes, and we’re here to tell you why.
In 2019, 70-80% of people were researching companies online before visiting it/making a purchase, and the same percentage of customers could be lost to small businesses without a website. And when the world suddenly required more online presence than real-life presence the following year, having your own website became even more crucial.
If you’re not convinced yet, and you’re curious about the advantages of websites over social media profiles, read on! Here are four ultimate reasons why you need a website in 2023.
1. Having a website makes you look professional and increases trust.
Most people don’t trust a business without a good website. A clean, modern page that is regularly updated and pops up in search engines is an instant credibility boost. Potential customers will trust you more and have all the information they need in one place. In a digital age, we expect businesses to have a web presence.
Even the smallest local business or organization needs a website–from a simple one page site for a mom and pop shop to a full website for a local church congregation.
Anyone can easily create a Facebook page or an Instagram account with fake data, your name/handle, and the profiles may look identical to yours. So, a professional business website legitimizes your company in ways no other social media channels would.
And if you don’t have a business and you’re considering creating a place for your portfolio, to show off your work, or something that represents yourself to send to recruiters when looking for a job – there’s not a more professional way to stand out from the crowd than having a personal website.
2. A business website will bring you more customers and increase conversions.
Well-optimized websites can pop up on the first page of Google search attracting new customers that weren’t looking specifically for you but were just researching a topic. There’s a much bigger chance of someone ‘stumbling upon’ your website than a social media profile. Also, comparing you and any competing business or offer is easier when all the parties involved have a pro website.
If you invest in Google Ads or Facebook Ads, you can direct the traffic straightway to your website. On the page, your leads will have all the details to make an informed purchase, and a call-to-action to motivate them. Pages with built-in popup forms and web push notifications encourage website visitors to stay in touch and come back.
A website is available 24/7, every day of the year, from anywhere around the globe – that makes your business stay on customer’s minds even after business hours. Websites broaden your reach, and promote you without a break.
3. A website gives you full control over the medium.
There are two sides to this reason. The first is your freedom of expression on a website. You can’t customize your social media presence to the same extent. All your assets have to be the same format as everybody else’s. If you really want to stand out, a website is the answer.
The absolute design freedom gives you an opportunity to present your brand in a unique way and showcase its voice and personality.
The control over your image on a webpage isn’t only about the graphics and layout. You decide what to put out there, so if you have any cool online reviews, customer testimonials, videos, etc., they can all share the space on your site.
If you have a gallery or a portfolio, this is also a chance to display it in a creative way. You can redesign and change anything on a website any time you want.
The other side of ‘full control’ is that a webpage is your owned media. You don’t have to follow the ever-changing rules of social platforms, and while the platforms themselves come and go (remember MySpace?) your website can stay in business forever. Also, any Internet user can engage with your website without creating an account.
4. Websites are the center of all marketing efforts.
A website can be the first place where potential customers interact with you and learn about your business.
It can also be where they land on last, to make a purchase, because they were redirected from an email, a Facebook ad or an Instagram post.
Maybe they want to receive your emails, and that’s why they visit your site – to sign up.
Someone driving by your facilities clicks the pin on Google Maps, which directs them to your website with pricing or menu.
They might have typed your URL into their browser from a physical business card. Or, after watching your YouTube video they ‘clicked the link in the description below’ to get a coupon code for your new online course.
All your marketing efforts, no matter if your business is operating online or offline, should sprout from and lead to your own, stunning and informative webpage.
Campaigns are also easier to manage when everything is interconnected and the common denominator is a website. So, having a website is a priority and the first step to success.
(And not to toot our own horn too much, but GetResponse has just launched an amazing Website Builder tool, so you can build, grow, and manage your business online using all the essential digital marketing tools from one account.)
Now you know
We hope these four simple reasons cleared your doubts about creating a professional website for your business. If you don’t have even a basic website you’re missing out on a massive opportunity to increase your good online reputation. The sooner you create one, the more customers will trust your brand. This is a simple and inexpensive way to increase your revenue, boost your company’s credibility and establish your place in the industry.
