Why is a Website important for Small Businesses?
A strong online presence is helpful for businesses of all sizes, especially for small businesses aiming to thrive and compete in their respective industries. Word-of-mouth and other traditional marketing methods are still relevant, but having a well-designed and functional website is essential.
Makes life easier for customers.
A good website makes it easy for new and existing customers to find or contact a business, and to access their products and services.
A responsive website is one that looks great on any device, so that potential customers can use their phones to call at a click, find out about services, or easily purchase products.
Establishes a Professional Image
A website serves as a virtual storefront, offering small businesses an opportunity to present themselves professionally. It allows them to showcase their products, services, and brand identity in a visually appealing and consistent manner. A well-designed website instills trust and credibility, making potential customers more likely to engage with the business.
Expands Reach
With a website, small businesses can extend their reach beyond their local market. An online presence enables them to target a global audience, attracting potential customers from all over New Zealand, and all over the world.
Enhances Customer Engagement
A website enables small businesses to efficiently communicate with their customers. Through features like contact forms, live chat, and social media integration, businesses can provide instant support, answer customer inquiries quickly, and receive valuable feedback. Engaging with customers in a personalised manner encourages repeat business.
Showcases Products
For small businesses, showcasing their products and services is essential in generating interest and driving sales. A website provides a platform to highlight products, services, and promotions in a visually appealing and organised manner. Including high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and customer reviews helps customers make informed decisions.
Builds Brand Identity
A website offers small businesses an opportunity to establish a unique brand identity. Through thoughtful design, consistent branding, and interesting content, businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors. A well branded website can reflect the business’s values, culture, and mission, to help attract customers who will become loyal supporters.
Cost-effective Marketing
Compared to traditional marketing methods, having a website is a cost-effective way for small businesses to promote their products and services. Online advertising, content marketing, and social media integration can be leveraged to drive traffic to the website and increase brand awareness.
Ecommerce Opportunities
A website opens doors to ecommerce, allowing small businesses to sell products or services online. With an e-commerce platform integrated into the website, businesses can reach customers 24/7, expand their customer base, and increase revenue. E-commerce can eliminate geographical limitations in many cases, making it easier for businesses to enter new markets.
In other words, Yes, having a website is Important.
In today’s increasingly digital world, a website is a valuable tool for businesses.
Investing in a well-designed and user-friendly website is a wise decision that can propel small businesses towards long-term success.
But I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t prompt you to wonder, do the people who are not currently trying to sell you website services, also think that websites are important?
Ask around in your industry, look at what your most successful competitors are doing, talk to your customers, talk to your competitors customers, read the ‘further reading’ section below…
And… after you’ve independently confirmed that a great website is absolutely essential, then do give us a call.
Further Reading
Here are few more articles on the topic from a reputable New Zealand source of information; business.govt.nz:
- Digital Boost A really great resource for New Zealand Businesses. This website teaches digital skills, and is regularly updated as the online environment changes.
- Being digitally savvy is good for business/ An article about why it’s important from New Zealand Businesses to get online.
- Building your website or online-store/ An article about building your own website.
