Do I Need a Website for My Small Business?
“If your business is not on the internet, then your business will be out of business.” – Bill Gates.
Asking whether small business need to have a website is comparable to asking whether businesses should have phones!
If you have a business, you should have a website. No question. Oddly enough though, according to MYOB statistics about half of New Zealand small businesses don’t have websites. But that also means that over 5o per cent of small business do have websites. It’s, therefore, likely your competition does have a website.
Why don’t some New Zealand businesses have websites?
These are some of the arguments we’ve heard against small business websites.
Reason #1 [sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”p” question-0=”Why does my business need a website if I don’t know how to use the Internet?” answer-0=”Your website isn’t actually for you, it’s for your customers. Internet users find you, you don’t find them. Customers just expect you to have a website.” image-0=””
headline-1=”p” question-1=”Why does my business need a website if most of our customers aren’t really computer savvy?” answer-1=”Your current customers may not use computers much, but you should be more worried about the potential customers that do use computers and can’t find your business.” image-1=””
headline-2=”p” question-2=”Why does my business need a website if we already spend on Yellow Pages?” answer-2=”Because the days of people pulling out the bulky, printed copy of the Yellow Pages to find your business are dwindling fast.” image-2=””
headline-3=”p” question-3=”Why does my business have a website if we already have a good reputation and brand?” answer-3=”Because your customers would expect to find a reputable business like yours on the web. Why risk your credibility by not being present?” image-3=””
headline-4=”p” question-4=”Why should business have to pay for an expensive website?” answer-4=”A website is a marketing tool that costs you once and then pays you back. The web hosting cost is similar to your monthly phone bill: you own the equipment but pay to be able to use it.” image-4=””
headline-5=”p” question-5=”Why should I spend time I can’t afford on a business website?” answer-5=”A website actually saves you time. Your website is available 24/7/365 answer questions and providing information about your products and services, saving you time.” image-5=”” count=”6″ html=”false” css_class=””]
I don’t know how to use the Internet …….
Your website isn’t actually for you, it’s for your customers. Internet users find you, you don’t find them. Customers just expect you to have a website. In our “Google it” world, this is just the way it is. Customers will either search for you because they’ve heard your name, or search for a product you’re selling. If your business is not listed on the Internet, it’s like you don’t even exist. You need a website because the market demands it.
Reason #2
Most of our customers aren’t really computer savvy …….
Your current customers may not use computers much; that could well be the case. However, shouldn’t you be more worried about the potential customers that do use computers and can’t find your business? The Internet gives everyone access. It is the user who chooses where to look and if your business is not there, potential customers will go to your competitors that do have websites.
Reason #3
We already spend on Yellow Pages …….
Consumers are more likely to visit your website to learn about your business than they are to pick up the phone and call. The days of people pulling out the bulky, printed copy of the Yellow Pages to find your business are dwindling fast. Think back to the last time you had to find a business or phone number. Did you take out the phone book or did you Google it? Whether shopping online or looking for a business’ contact details or information on products, more and more people are turning to the Internet first.
Reason #4
After many years in business we already have a good reputation and brand …….
I am sure your good reputation is very well-deserved. Your customers would, therefore, expect to find a reputable business like yours on the web. So why risk your credibility by not being present? According to a survey by Weebly, 56 percent of those surveyed said they don’t trust a business without a website. No website could mean losing business. A good-looking, mobile responsive website adds legitimacy to your business and shows professionalism. In addition, having a website means you can show off what you do and what others have said. Take pride in your work with a gorgeous website and showcase what makes your business unique.
Reason #5
A website would be too expensive …….
Back to the phone analogy. Getting a website is like getting a telephone; they both have similar cost structures. The website creation cost is similar to the purchase cost of the phone. You pay one time; it is yours. However, unlike a phone, a website is a marketing tool that costs you once and then pays you back. The web hosting cost is similar to your monthly phone bill: you own the equipment but pay to be able to use it.
Reason #6
I don’t have time for a website …..
Think again. A website actually saves you time. Your website, not you, can answer questions about directions, prices, what time you close, return policies and provide information about your products and services. Your website is available 24/7/365, saving you time. And what is time? Time is money. Customers want easy access to your information. If you don’t have an online presence, it’s likely that a potential customer will choose a competitor that does.
Does my business need a website?
Many small businesses today ask themselves if they need a website. The answer is yes! MYOB’s Business Monitor survey of 1000 small businesses shows almost 60 percent of small businesses that do have websites experience an increase in customer inquiries. More than 50 percent say customers found it easier to do business with them and 31 percent saw revenue increase as a result of being online. For small businesses a website isn’t an expensive luxury or a “bit on the side”, it’s an affordable, fundamental tool that every company needs.
You’re good at what you do, so your priority should remain your business, not learning how to create small business websites. If you want to grow your business, your website has to be accessible, mobile responsive, secure, easy to use and memorable. For a well thought out, strategically designed website call 0800 686 237 or email us via the contact page.
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