When to get a website… or not
When you are building a business, it might not be so obvious as to when or if you need to have a website. And the answer can be different depending on your business and where you are in getting established! So when is the right time to think about getting a website for your business?
You may consider getting a website if…
You're Starting a New Business:
If you're launching a new business, a website is a good idea. A well-designed website can help create a strong online foundation for your brand, attract potential customers, and provide essential information about your offerings. It is a worthwhile investment, especially if you are selling physical products as it can increase your sales and help you create and engage your customer base.
Your Customers Expect It: Consumers turn to the internet for information, products, and services. Whether they are doing research on a product they want to buy, or service they want to obtain, consumers look up businesses online. If your target audience is searching for what you offer online, not having a website can mean losing potential customers. Here is more on why a website is important.
You Want to Expand Your Reach: A website is a gateway to a broader audience. If you're looking to expand your reach beyond your local community or target new demographics, a website can help you reach a global or national audience.
To Showcase Your Products or Services: A website provides a platform to showcase your products or services in detail. High-quality images, informative content, and customer testimonials can help you effectively communicate the value you offer.
To Build Trust and Credibility: Having a professional website can instill trust and credibility in potential customers. It shows that you're a legitimate business and that you're invested in providing valuable information and services to your audience.
You Want to Stay Open 24/7: Websites are accessible 24/7, allowing customers to interact with your business at their convenience. This flexibility can result in increased sales and customer engagement. If you sell products online, making money while you sleep is a possibility… if you have a website.
For Marketing and Branding: Your website is an integral part of your marketing and branding efforts. It provides a platform for content marketing, SEO, social media integration, and other online strategies that can help you grow your business.
To Provide Customer Support: A website can serve as a hub for customer support, FAQs, and resources. It allows you to offer helpful information to your customers and reduce the workload on your support team. Do you constantly get the same question over and over? Put it in your FAQs! Do you constantly have to go back to your customers and ask them for that same piece of information every time? Add it to a contact form!
To Adapt to Changing Consumer Behavior: Everyone is on their mobile device. So if you do go ahead with a website, having a mobile-responsive website is crucial. A website that's easy to navigate on smartphones and tablets is essential to meet the demands of modern consumers.
All that said, here are a few reasons NOT to get a website just yet…
Cost Concerns: Creating and maintaining a website can be expensive, especially for small businesses with limited resources. Costs include web development, domain registration, hosting, and ongoing maintenance. As a business owner, you may decide to allocate your budget to other priorities until you get a bit more established. You have to do what works for you and your business.
Lack of Technical Expertise: As a business owner you may not have the technical skills or knowledge required to create and manage a website. You might find the idea of website development daunting and prefer to focus on your core competencies. If this is the case, and you don’t have financial limitations, hiring a web designer could be helpful for you.
Limited Target Audience: If your target audience isn't active online, or if your products or services are highly localized and do not require an online presence, a website may not be necessary. In such cases, other marketing strategies might be more effective.
Social Media Presence or Other Platform: For some businesses, a strong presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or third-party marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, or Ebay may be sufficient to connect with your target audience. You may prioritize these platforms over a website, especially if you can engage with customers effectively there.
Niche or Exclusive Business: In certain niche or exclusive industries, a business might benefit from not having a website. It can create an aura of exclusivity and scarcity that appeals to a specific clientele.
It's important to note that the decision not to have a website should be based on a careful assessment of the business's specific needs, target audience, and goals. In some cases, not having a website may be a deliberate and valid choice, while in others, it may limit the business's potential for growth and reach. Each business owner should evaluate their circumstances and make an informed decision that aligns with their objectives.