Why Every Small Business Needs a Website
1. A Website Can Increase Sales
Many small businesses, especially service businesses argue they don’t need a website because they don’t plan to sell products online. But a website can increase in-store sales and service calls by generating leads and driving local customers to your business. A well built website is a great tool to connect with local consumers searching for the products or services you offer. A website allows consumers to contact you directly through your website, either through phone calls email or in-store visits. In addition, a website can be a powerful lead generator for small business driving new customers to your business and increasing revenues. Consider this:
Many small businesses, especially service businesses argue they don’t need a website because they don’t plan to sell products online. But a website can increase in-store sales and service calls by generating leads and driving local customers to your business. A well built website is a great tool to connect with local consumers searching for the products or services you offer. A website allows consumers to contact you directly through your website, either through phone calls email or in-store visits. In addition, a website can be a powerful lead generator for small business driving new customers to your business and increasing revenues. Consider this:
• 3 out of 4 smartphone users have contacted a business they found on their phone. (Source: Google/Ipsos, "The Mobile Movement: Understanding Smartphone Users," April 2011)
• Over the next three years, businesses that make use of the web expect to grow 40% faster than those that don't. (Source: BCG Report, "The Connected World :The $4.2 Trillion Opportunity" March 2012
2. Local Customers Start their Search Online
Today’s local consumer is more savvy then ever before. Looking to save time and money, consumers are turning to the internet to start their search for local products and services. Even when making offline purchases consumers will research local business using the internet before deciding where to shop. If your small business does not have a website, you practically invisible to potential customers. Consider these facts:
• 97% of consumers use the internet to shop locally. (Source: BIA/Kelsey, User View Wave VII, March 2010)
• 63% of of people use the Internet as their first resource when looking for a local service or product. (Source: 2009 Webvisible/Nielsen study)
• 43% of people surveyed said they are more likely to purchase services or products from a small business with a website. (Source: Discover Small Business Watch Survey)
• Nearly half of all searches on Google or "local", which means someone is looking for a local product or service nearby
3. A Website Builds Credibility
When customers search online and don’t find your business it’s almost as if you company does not exist. They may pass you by to choose a competitor. It’s now expected by consumers that every creditable business has a website
4. A Website Saves You Time and Money
A website saves you time and energy while you tackle the everyday challenges of owning a small business. Your website provides your customers with hours of operation, menus, and information about your products and services. Let a website answer these common questions so you can focus on growing your business and spend less time on the phone talking about it.
