“Is a website really necessary for my business?”

This is undoubtable the number one question business owners ask themselves when preparing a new marketing plan. A close second is, “How will a website help my business?” and followed with, “Is a website worth the cost?”.

I will break down why or why not you, as a business owner, should consider a website for your business.

 

“Is a website really necessary for my business?”

Overall, only you can determine if a website is truly necessary for your business.

If your business is already booming with minimal marketing and you find that you receive more then enough business, find yourself almost “too busy” and would not like to attract more customers to your business then a website would not be necessary.

But if your looking to connect with a broader range of clients, educate clients about you and your products, enter new markets, and increase your business value then a website is a definite MUST.

So the question to ask yourself is, what are you looking for? Do you want to keep your business just the way it is, or do you want to increase your customer traffic, gain a piece of your market, increase your business value, etc.?

“How will a website help my business?”

Aside from what was mentioned above, a website is also great for giving more information to your customers. Think of it as a professional online brochure. They can find out who your are, what you offer, where you are located, and what’s new to your company. This is advantageous in so many aspects. In getting to know you and your business, you reduce to amount of one-time shop traffic. You have the ability to create long-lasting customer relationships that will benefit both parties.

Another thing to consider is that a website has a better chance of reaching today’s consumers. Statistically, approx. 94% of Canada’s population is online.¹  You have to ensure that your website is professional and credible so that you are able to reach today’s consumers and increase your market segment.

Lastly, your website is not an advertisement. An advertisement is something you can buy for a limited time to promote your company – a website can be changed, updated, available to both current and potential customer 24/7 365 days a year. A website gives you the ability to answer FAQ and give clients the opportunity to see who you are and what makes you so unique. That’s what today’s customers are looking for – business owners who are personable, efficient, and knowledgable in their services – a website allows you to showcase these skills and characteristics to expand your current target market.

Is a Website Worth the Cost?

The most common phrase I’ve heard from small business owners is, “Oh my friend/my cousin/my relative is a website developer and will do it for me for $500 bucks!”.

Before heading over to Cousin Vinny’s house, I would like to bring some things to your attention.
Unless Cousin Vinny is a qualified web developer, then I would strongly recommend a reconsideration. One of the things that are strongly underestimated by business owners is how the quality of your website effects your potential customers and overall, your business.

Without a doubt, a poorly constructed site has a HUGE effect on your current and potential customers. Imagine the frustration you would experience when you spend valuable time looking for one piece of information on a site! If you were the customer, would you stick around and wrestle out the information or rather go find a competitor whose site is much more efficient (and not to mention time saving)?
Also, as mentioned above, a website increases your business value. Hoping to get a loan for the business next month? Well you better have a professional and credible site available for the bank to review. A website is an investment, enough for banks to use in their considerations for your future financial applications.

In summary, a website offers so many advantages but only you know whats best for your business. If you have any further questions about this blog or would like to talk to me about some ideas, feel free to email me and let’s chat!

^{1 Internet World Stats, accessed March 8 2017. Statistics as of June 30, 2016}