12 reasons why you need a website in 2023

“If your business is not on the internet, then your business will be out of business.” – Bill Gates.

A website is an essential business asset for every brand to have. Regardless of the industry, your online presence can affect your overall success. Did you know that 81% of people research a business or service online before making a purchase decision? Similarly, 56% of people surveyed admitted that they would not trust a business without a website.

Admittedly, the quality of your website affects your overall success, but the point of this post is to emphasise how crucial it is to have a website in the first place. Here are some of the most important reasons why you need a website in 2023:

1. Assured Online Presence – Many people looking for services start with a quick google search. A business without an online presence is losing out on all online shoppers. Your website makes you available 24/7/365. It acts as your always-on business advocate during and after working hours. Having a website also gives you the privilege of serving a global market. Imagine selling to Spanish, Chinese, and German customers besides English speakers. A website can give you a different version of the same page for each demography, something a single social media page cannot handle.
2. Better than social media – A website gives you the power to control all aspects of your online business. From customer relationship management to shipping, you can do whatever is necessary to achieve your objectives. While some small businesses have opted to operate on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, they lose control of their content as these platforms can fold any day. The death of a social media platform means all effort invested by a brand to build its presence on it is futile. 
3. Effective Time Management: Having a website allows you to be more efficient with your time since you no longer have to spend countless hours managing your business across multiple channels. You could leverage your social media accounts to lead them to your website by automating every web post to all your social media account.
4. Better Lead Generation – A website can help you generate and manage leads (i.e. individuals who have already shown an interest in your company or brand in some way). You can set up your website to capture leads using contact forms, popups, and more. Your lead capture forms can also serve as a way to advertise new products and services that you have to offer, helping to build brand awareness and drive sales.
5. Improves SEO Ranking – Search engines like Google will favour websites with information relevant to the consumer over any other social media page. Once you have an SEO-optimized website, you will most likely appear in Google search results. Thus, when people search for a product, service or information relevant to your brand, there is a chance your website will show up in the results. Organic search results are one of the best free marketing assets a brand can have.
6. Builds Trust – These days, consumers want assurances that a company is legitimate and reliable before they buy from them. Without a website, people may question your legitimacy as a business. Owning a website is an opportunity to make a great first impression and give people comfort that you are a real business.
7. Shows Professionalism – Consumers judge a business by its website. A website shows consumers the commitment of a brand to meeting their needs. An online visitor can decide whether a brand is worth doing business with by browsing its website.
8. Ensures Consistency – Your website is the only authentic source of information for your customers about your products or services. It informs your customers on what to expect from your brand and how they can benefit from using your products and services. It also ensures that everyone receives the same information about your business, which will help to build trust in your brand and boost customer loyalty.
9. Brand Hub – Having a website is a great way to consolidate all online assets in one place. A website can organise a brand’s social media accounts, media reportages, company profile, and other online brand engagement. It makes it easy for customers to gather all relevant information on a brand from a single source of authority.  79% of users who read online reviews, believe them. Combat that negativity by posting your positive testimonials on your website.
10. Competitive Advantage – Chances are several providers are offering a similar service to yours. One way to stand out is by having a website that looks good and communicates quality information to your consumers. For example, if a website looks and feels different to the competition, it could help set the brand apart from the rest and encourage customers to choose them over the competition. 
11. Best Online Marketing Tool – A website is the best place to sell your product and services online. A website helps businesses showcase their brand, provide great customer service, and advertise their new offerings to their customers. Giving your customers the ability to handle their buying experience in a place saves time and shows authenticity and trust.
12. Cost savings: Maintaining a website is far less expensive than advertising on other media like radio, newspapers, or television. Your brand promotions on your website will be easily accessible to everyone. Analytics gleaned from your website is an invaluable tool to inform your decisions on your customers and offerings.

While we admit that not everyone may want a website, the 12 reasons outlined here show why every serious brand needs one. Do not let the initial cost of owning a website deter you from starting one. There is a massive opportunity to help grow your business. Contact us today for our flexible payment plan.