10 Benefits of a Website for a Small Business

In this day and age where digital technology and the Internet has influenced how we live and work, it is shocking to know that very few small business owners have a website.

In this day and age where digital technology and the Internet has influenced how we live and work, it is shocking to know that very few small business owners have a website. It is hard to believe that only 46% of small businesses have a website. This statistic is confounding when you realize people spend 6 hours a day on the Internet. Based on 2014 survey results, 41% of small business owners reported they don’t think they need a website. What that means is they probably don’t know the benefits of having a website for their small business. 1. Improve Business Credibility. A simple way to view a website is that it is your online business address. This is where your customers, clients and associates go to find you on the Internet. The Home page identifies your branded value proposition, the About Us page tells visitors all about your business and the Contact Us page informs everyone how to get in touch with you. It legitimizes your business and improves your credibility. It gives your business an identity and is virtual proof that it exists. Don’t be mislead into thinking a company page in Facebook is enough to build your credibility. A 2015 survey showed that 84% of consumers believe that having a website makes your business more credible than just a social media page. Having a website means you have your own domain. In the same survey, 65% of respondents regard a company-branded e-mail as more credible than a generic one. 2. Build Your Business. Before broadband technology became widespread in 2004, websites were used primarily for marketing and informational purposes. A website functioned more like a brochure; you put one up to stay ahead of the competition. But there wasn’t much thought and purpose behind the content. With the growth of the Internet, the influence of social media and the popularity of mobile devices, the website has become a crucial tool to build your business. Share Your Story – According to Nobel Prize winning psychiatrist Daniel Kahneman, consumers patronize brands they can align their values with. A website is a great way to share your story; tell your audience why you started this business, your goals and what you hope to accomplish with it. Get Clients – It’s not enough to have a rock star online profile. 36% of clients prefer to deal with businesses that have websites. By contrast, only 21% will work with businesses without websites. A website gives you the platform to highlight your experience and expertise. Find Your Team – Are you looking for people to help you run your business? Set up a Career page in your website where prospective candidates can fill out an application form and attach their resume. Post your job requirement in social media and link it back to your website. You should have a good number of candidates in no time!