Having a website for a local business is not a matter of doubt – this is what the market demands. Customers turn to the web practically all the time, so you can be sure that when they need a specific product or service, the internet will serve as their first choice. Moreover, having a website will allow every business to expand their operation and deliver their product to a wider market, effectively competing against other providers. Here are 5 key reasons on why any business should be setting up their website right now.
1. Access to information
We live in the information age and your customers will expect access to verified information 24/7. If you fail to provide them with readily available information, they might simply turn to another provider.
Customers tend to research companies and products online, so if you don't have a website, how do you expect to fulfill this demand? A website can offer valuable information about your business and its products or services. In short, your website will do the marketing for you at all times.
2. Market expansion
Having a website is the first step to expanding your business beyond the local reach, addressing customers looking for various options in all locations. Offering your products or services for sale on your website, you're effectively giving your customers a chance to purchase on their own terms.
Moreover, by providing a personal profile, history of purchases and personalized suggestions, you might be on your way to becoming a business that ships on national, international or even global scale!
3. Building relationships with your audience
Another great benefit of websites is their role in branding. You want to build a loyal community of followers, who are willing to recommend your product or service to their friends, family and colleagues.
Communities are built with strong brands. Having an online presence that includes a website and social media accounts that all link to each other will help you to spread the word about your business and make it easy for consumers to do so as well – by sharing your content and directly interacting with your brand.
4. SEO matters
Before making any purchase decision, customers are likely to Google the business and see how credible and reliable it is. Popping up at the very top of the search ranking is your objective – it's not only for marketing purposes, but also for gaining the trust of your customers. Brands, which are hard to track down online won't seem trustworthy.
5. It's not that costly
Finally, a lot of local businesses would rather save up than drain their dollars in a website they're not even sure anyone will see. Some resort to website freebies and think their customers won't care anyway. Well, they're wrong! A decent website will cost you around $2000 to $5000 for creation and around $200-300 for monthly maintenance, but the role it will play in your online branding and consumer engagement is priceless.
Marketing in the internet era affects all kinds of businesses – including local ones. To make the most from all potential marketing platforms, create a website for your business to simply enjoy a better visibility.
Submitted by Monique Craig of Oneflare.
