"Do you have a website?'
This is one of the first things I ask when I meet business owners who are trying to convince me to buy their product. Even when I go to convenience stores and I see someone giving away samples, my first question is if they have a site where I can read all their product details.
Online presence has now become a necessity for small business owners. The creation of social media accounts also works like a standard operating procedure in attracting new customers.
However, businesses should not just stop with a Facebook page or an Instagram account. To fully maximize the benefits of the digital world, a highly converting website should seal the deal.
If you’re a small business trying to penetrate the big market, this is for you. Here are five reasons a website is essential to survive in the industry.
1. Think Globally
Sure, you’re a small shop selling souvenir items in a small village… but why stop there?
There is a gallery owner somewhere a continent away who need your unique handcrafted creations, or a wedding coordinator looking for whimsical, quirky earrings that the bride wants to give to her bridesmaids as gifts.
Here’s a fact: 61% of global Internet users research products online. Internet users search online to find what they need. If you don’t have a website, then boy, you’re missing out on the potential bulk of orders.
2. Testimonials get you more customers
Yes, I may say some nice words to your employees while I’m at your local store. But who else will hear me say these words? How can my positive feedback help your business in getting more customers?
Make it easy for your loyal customers to thank you by putting up a website where they can just quickly type words of gratitude without having to leave the comfort of their homes or offices.
All the testimonials that you get can attract more potential customers, especially those who are having second thoughts in trusting you with their money.
Did you know? 72% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations from real people. In fact, personally, I often look for feedback from previous customers as it is the deciding factor for me to choose one company over the other.
The words that your happy customers leave on your website serve as the bread crumbs to lead other customers to you.
3. First Impression Matters
Your prospect leads will want to check your services or products out through your website to see if your product fits their wants / needs. Most customers also see to it that you don’t just offer quality products, you’re also great with customer service.
This is why “pre-sales” questions exists. A business website can be your vessel in providing the best first impression to your customers.
If you don’t think this is necessary for your business, let me tell you this: 69% of consumers are more likely to use a local business if it has an online presence.
Changed your mind? I thought so.
4. Provides amazing after-sales services
Good lasting impression matters just as much. Yes, the questions do not stop when the products have been purchased. There is a need to maintain the great impression that you got by providing amazing after-sales service.
With a website, customers can easily find frequently asked questions 24/7. Even without someone looking over it, your customers will feel at ease that they will be able to find what they need online.
Contact forms can also change the game for you.
Ever spent 20 minutes of your life trying to find the number of a local business and eventually gave up because it’s nowhere to be found online?
You’re not alone. 50% of online sales are lost because visitors can’t find the content. So, by making sure that you can be easily contacted, customers are most likely to trust and buy from you.
A website can serve its many purposes – customer service, product boost, company background, etc – for all your leads and customers at a minimum cost. Others may see a website as an additional expense, but really, it saves you a good amount of money in the long run.
So, whether you’re a new baker whipping sweet magic in your home kitchen, or sizeable business operating locally, you need a website. Let me help you create a website that’s not only beautiful aesthetic wise, but is also ready for leads and conversion.
