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Small businesses often struggle with establishing a unique identity; a website can help them do this. It can show potential customers your mission and value proposition and give them a clear idea of what you do. Customers who know exactly what you do are more likely to buy from you.
How many small businesses don’t have a website
Small businesses often face barriers when it comes to getting an online presence. One such barrier is the cost. Small businesses can spend anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 to launch a website. According to GoDaddy, however, 55% of small businesses that do not yet have a website plan to create one in the next two years. Even if your business is small, having an online presence can boost your business’ growth, operations, and reach.
In a recent survey, Clutch asked 352 small business owners and managers across the U.S. why they don’t have a website.
The top excuse are:
- didn’t have enough money
- didn’t have enough time
Other common reasons for not having a website include the lack of technical skills.
Stand out from the competition.
Standing out from the competition is essential while running a small business. Many other companies are offering similar products and services in today’s marketplace. And with the help of the internet, consumers can easily find your competitors. That means it is vital for you to create a unique website that will stand out from the rest of the crowd.
With the help of a website for small businesses, you can reach your target market. Many people are looking for services or products in the market and will select the most affordable option. However, if you offer something unique to your customers, they will choose you over your competitors. In addition, you can attract more customers with your unique marketing strategy.
The competition for small businesses is extremely stiff. Local businesses are competing with each other to capture the same customers. A simple search of a particular product will reveal hundreds of other companies offering similar services or products. This makes it more difficult for small businesses to stand out from the competition.
Sharing what makes you unique
A website is a great way to share what makes you unique. It can also be a great way to sell your products. People look for businesses online daily, and a website allows them to find them easily. Customers also turn to websites when they have a problem. A website can provide the answers to those problems.
Make it easy to contact you.
A website is an excellent tool for small businesses to reach their target clients and communicate with them. Moreover, consumers use websites to identify companies and gauge their trustworthiness. A shoddy website may make a prospective client swipe left or find a more trustworthy competitor.
A website also gives customers a place to learn about your business, view your products, and get in touch with you. Currently, 36% of small businesses do not have a website. A website is a great way to attract new customers and grow your revenue. Even a simple five-to-seven-page webpage can help you succeed online. Creating a free website will make it easy for your customers to contact you.
Show up on search results.
If you are a small business, you need to have a website to show up in search results. More consumers are turning to the internet to find their needed products and services. 98% of web users choose a business that appears on the first page of search results. However, only 42% of small businesses had a website in 2012. Many companies are missing out on establishing a reputation amongst their customers.
Fortunately, many strategies can help you rank high on Google. One of the most popular methods involves building a responsive website. This strategy is free and allows your website to appear in the SERPs alongside your competitors. You can also use a tool like Semrush to help you optimize your website. These three steps will increase your chances of ranking high in search results and help your business stand out from competitors.
When creating a website, be sure to include keywords in the content. You should also make sure that your images are optimized for SEO. These steps boost your search engine rankings and increase your customers’ traffic.
Increase sales and visibility
A website is a vital tool for small businesses. It helps you communicate with customers and offers information, updates, and online sales. However, it requires expertise and consistent maintenance. Nearly one-quarter of small businesses do not have the time to create and manage their website. Small businesses should ensure that their website offers a seamless user experience, working links, and relevant content.
Small businesses often have fewer budgets for marketing and a lesser reputation than larger businesses. A website helps them highlight their strengths and showcase what they offer. Google considers a business’s distance and relevance when producing search results. Adding your business address to your website footer increases your chances of appearing in local searches.
In addition to a website, small businesses should use social media channels for marketing their products and services. Facebook and website owners can use videos and tour content to sell products and services in an aspirational way. For example, a small business can offer a video tutorial or tour that helps customers learn how to use their products.