4 reasons your small business needs a website

When starting a small business, the to-do list of activities seems never ending. It’s also a time filled with excitement, determination, and many times, anxiety. With all there is to do getting your business to market, deciding on a pricing structure, and trying to figure out how you’ll find customers, one question that often doesn’t get enough attention is: “Does my small business need a website?” Surprisingly, there is a very easy answer to this question, and the answer is, without question, “Yes”.

But why is a website such an important piece of starting a small business? What happens if you don’t have one? Here, we’ll discuss four major reasons your small business needs a website to start fast and strong as well as set yourself up for long-term success.

Reason #1 - Having a website is just plain expected

In today’s digital age, consumers expect a business to have a website. They want to be able to see what products and services you offer, how much they cost, and be able to compare them against other offerings in the market. If your small business doesn’t have a website, you won’t be able to find yourself in the mix of competing for that customer’s dollars. According to Dervix, only 64% of small businesses have websites. That means when a potential customer is searching online, you can already dismiss a third of your competition just by having a website. Your business should focus on being where your customers are and with over two TRILLION global searches per year, your customers are undoubtedly online.

Reason #2 - You look more professional with a website

Small businesses account for over 99% of employers in the United States - which means that almost all businesses in the US are small businesses. When your small business is trying to stand out and compete in such a crowded marketplace, the image and professionalism of your small business can be the difference. It also greatly matters to consumers. A recent KPMG study stated that 47% of consumers will visit a businesses’ website before making a purchase. But what happens if you don’t have a website? They have nowhere to verify that you are a real business, with real value that can be provided. And while 35% of small business owners feel that their business is simply too small to warrant a website, no business is too small to be professional, which is partly achieved by having a well designed website to promote.

Reason #3 - It takes advantage of payment trends

Ecommerce and online purchases have been growing massively over the last decade. Small businesses need to pay close attention to the trends that are happening with how customers want to make payments and offer a medium to do just that. Since making online purchases has become a routine part of consumer behavior and PaySimple recently reported that 30% of consumers no longer use cash in a given week, it’s critical for small businesses to have an online property to compete for these digital payments. Payment trends are going to continue to change throughout the next decade and having a website positions you to quickly take advantage of these trends and collect payments to grow your business.

Reason #4 - Websites drive new business and growth

From our previous reasons for needing a small business website, it’s pretty obvious that your potential customers expect you to have one, feel more confident when you do, and it makes your business look more professional. But what does all of that lead to? Does it actually bring a tangible benefit to your business? YES, it brings more business and revenue growth! Other small business owners agree - 79% believe their business will grow 25% or more in the next 3-5 years with a website, but only 64% believe the same without a website. By having a website for your small business, you are able to compete for customers that are not only in your locality, but across the United States and the entire world. It gives you a single place to drive awareness of your small business and the value you can bring potential customers as well as giving them a place to make a purchase or raise their hand to be contacted.

As previously stated, some businesses feel that they are too small to warrant building a website. However, having a website fulfills many needs that small businesses have when they are trying to fight for brand awareness, a voice in their market, and most importantly, customers and revenue. Building a website is no longer a luxury for small businesses. In 2020 and beyond, it’s a requirement to truly compete and have a chance at becoming a successful, self-sustaining business.

If you’re interested in how Moby can help build a customized, professional small business website that will make your brand stand out and give you the best chance at gaining new customers, simply reach out for a free consultation with one of our team members!