1. Having a website makes you look professional and increases trust.

       Most people don’t trust a business without a good website. A clean, modern page that is regularly updated and pops up in search engines is an instant credibility boost. Potential customers will trust you more and have all the information they need in one place. In a digital age, we expect businesses to have a web presence. Even the smallest local business or organisation needs a website–from a simple one page site for a Mom and pop shop to a full website for a local church congregation.

        Anyone can easily create a Facebook page or an Instagram account with fake data, your name/handle, and the profiles may look identical to yours. So, a professional business website legitimises your company in ways no other social media channels would. And if you don’t have a business and you’re considering creating a place for your portfolio, to show off your work, or something that represents yourself to send to recruiters when looking for a job – there’s not a more professional way to stand out from the crowd than having a personal website…

2. A business website will bring you more customers and increase conversions.

       Well-optimised websites can pop up on the first page of Google search attracting new customers that weren’t looking specifically for you but were just researching a topic. There’s a much bigger chance of someone ‘stumbling upon’ your website than a social media profile. Also, comparing you and any competing business or offer is easier when all the parties involved have a pro website. If you invest in Google Ads or Facebook Ads, you can direct the traffic straightway to your website. On the page, your leads will have all the details to make an informed purchase, and a call-to-action to motivate them. Pages with built-in popup forms and web push notifications encourage website visitors to stay in touch and come back.

 

3. A website gives you full control over the medium.

         There are two sides to this reason. The first is your freedom of expression on a website. You can’t customise your social media presence to the same extent. All your assets have to be the same format as everybody else’s. If you really want to stand out, a website is the answer.

The absolute design freedom gives you an opportunity to present your brand in a unique way and showcase its voice and personality. The control over your image on a web page isn’t only about the graphics and layout. You decide what to put out there, so if you have any cool online reviews, customer testimonials, videos, etc., they can all share the space on your site. If you have a gallery or a portfolio, this is also a chance to display it in a creative way. You can redesign and change anything on a website any time you want.

 

          A website can be the first place where potential customers interact with you and learn about your business. It can also be where they land on last, to make a purchase, because they were redirected from an email, a Facebook ad or an Instagram post. Maybe they want to receive your emails, and that’s why they visit your site – to sign up. Someone driving by your facilities clicks the pin on Google Maps, which directs them to your website with pricing or menu.

          They might have typed your URL into their browser from a physical business card. Or, after watching your YouTube video they ‘clicked the link in the description below’ to get a coupon code for your new online course. All your marketing efforts, no matter if your business is operating online or offline, should sprout from and lead to your own, stunning and informative web page. Campaigns are also easier to manage when everything is interconnected and the common denominator is a website. So, having a website is a priority and the first step to success.