7 Reasons Why Small Business Needs A Website
6th February 2019My business doesn’t need a website, I’m too small. How many times have you heard that said? Well sorry folks but every business now needs a website and a good one at that.
Here’s why:
Even the most traditional Of print businesses Yellow Pages Have this year decided to go Digital. The Yellow Pages stop printing In January 2019. Yell has taken the decision To fully digitalise the business ending a 51 year publication run. Instead Yellow Pages will offer a free listing to businesses on yell.com Like many businesses Yellow Pages found that succeeding in digital, demands constant change and innovation. The reason for the decision is very simple; consumer behavioural changes have forced them to make this decision.
Jump forward to 2019 and the number of consumers that use the online option to find a local business
If you’re ready to unlock your company’s success and get started with a lead-driving website, you can contact us here.
Yes, You Need a Website No Matter Your Industry
“Mobile searches for ‘where to buy’ for clothing and apparel are increasing. In footwear searches are up 140%, t-shirts up 80%, baby clothing up 125%, bras up 155%, and swimwear up 110%.” via Think with Google
“In beauty products, mobile searches for ‘where to buy’ are also up: face powder up 400%, make-up removers up 130%, fragrances up 440%, haircare and styling up 90%, and lipsticks/glosses are up 630%.” via Think with Google
“In food and groceries, mobile searches for ‘where to buy’ are up for the following categories: condiments and dressings (130%), frozen foods (470%), household cleaners (70%), salt (155%), and soft drinks (50%).” via Think with Google
“In home products, mobile searches are on the up for ‘where to buy’: bakeware (65%), blinds/shades (115%), fencing (180%), bedding (110%), and garden furniture (135%).” via Think with Google
“In toiletries, mobile searches for ‘where to buy’ are up: creams and moisturisers (285%), aromatherapy (40%), exfoliants & scrubs (260%), toothpaste (410%), and waxing & accessories (205%).” via Think with Google
“In toys and games, mobile searches for ‘where to buy’ are up: dolls & accessories up 60%, models up 115%, games & puzzles up 225%, brain teasers up 95%, and radio controlled toys up 20%.” via Think with Google
“55% rate their ability to check in store availability on their mobile device as absolutely critical or very important.” via Salesforce.
Businesses with e-commerce websites earned twice as much revenue per employee
- They experienced revenue growth over the previous year that was nearly four times as high
- Were almost three times as likely to be creating jobs over the previous year
- Had an average employment growth rate that was more than six times as high
This applies to all industries, even industrial and manufacturing. Digital advancement starts with a website. If that’s not enough to convince you, here are seven reasons you need not just a website, but one that is properly optimised.
No.1 30 Percent of consumers won’t consider a business without a website
Your website is your number one marketing asset because we live in a digital age. People spend on average 27 hours online per week and are on their mobile devices for up to five hours per day. By now, consumers expect companies to have an online presence (including a website) and will consider a company that DOESN’T have one as less professional.
No.2: People are searching for you online
One of the benefits of having a website for small businesses is to be where your consumers are. There’s a reason so many companies invest in a website with search engine optimisation (SEO): 97 percent of people go online to find a local business, and 93 percent of online experiences begin with a search engine. Believe it or not, there are 3.5 billion searches on Google per day, and at this very moment, there is someone in your area online and searching for your exact service. Guess who’s getting their business? Not you.
No.3: The Majority Of consumers use websites to find and engage with businesses
- 87% of shoppers begin the purchase process online
- 56% of consumers shop equally online & offline
- 74% of digital media time is spent on mobile
- 62% will visit a store 2 or more times before making a large value purchase
- Online advertising will be 70% larger than TV advertising by 2022
Combine that with the fact that 93 percent of online experiences begin with a search engine. Another compelling reason your business needs a website? Research by Search Engine Land found that, on average, 63% of consumers use websites to find or engage with businesses, The top 10 local organic factors for SEO are related to websites, 30% of consumers won’t consider a business without a website, 46% say a website is the biggest determinant of whether they trust a company
No.4: Commercial Transactions in Every Industry Are Influenced By Digital Website Content
The majority of companies that don’t have a website say it’s because their industry isn’t online. This applies particularly to in the B2B, industrial, and manufacturing industries.
But the statistics do not bear out that opinion.
75 percent of B2B buyers say digital website content significantly impacts their buying decision, and 62 percent say they can finalise their purchase selection criteria based on a website’s digital content alone.
The average B2B buyer now makes an average of 12 online searches before interacting with a vendor’s website, and they are already 57 percent of the way through the buying process before they want to speak with a sales representative.
The way B2B buyers research and shop has changed dramatically in the last five years. The days when buyers would simply visit their local B2B store, talk with their sales rep, or order through a catalogue are disappearing. With digital at the helm, most buyers are starting their purchase journey without setting foot in a store — even if they ultimately purchase offline.
In fact, recent research shows that on average, 67% of purchases for multiple industrial manufacturing and pack-and-ship industries were influenced by digital. As a result, we’re seeing a new type of B2B shopping behaviour emerge — buyers are sitting at the intersection of online and offline.
No.5: Basic Answers to Basic questions
So many companies spend on fancy graphics, videos etc and yet fail to provide the three basic answers visitors are looking for.
The Three Second Test
- Who are you?
- What do you do you offer?
- How do I contact you?
The attention span of a visitor is dropping rapidly. With the proliferation of technology, minds are working at a much faster pace. The three questions shown above need to be answered without the user needing to scroll down the page at all.
No.6: You can turn your small business into a big business
Or at least a perceived big business
A professional website can put you up there with big boys. It’s not what you are, it’s what you are perceived to be.
No.7: Social Media Reach is not as Great as Facebook would make you think
I don’t need a website, I’m on Facebook. We’ve heard that a few times lately
While social media can help your business grow, don’t think that by using it as your sole marketing channel, it will answer all your marketing questions.
Want to discuss your website give us a call on 01606 631044 or email us
