Why do I need a website?  

Discover the benefits of having a website…

In today’s digital landscape, a business’s online presence is crucial to its success, no matter the industry. Many companies still underestimate the fact that most potential customers will check their website before deciding to make a purchase. Having a solid online footprint, especially a well-designed website, can significantly influence revenue generation.

While the quality of your website certainly matters, this article aims to highlight the essential need for having a website in the first place. We’ve assisted many businesses, large and small, in establishing their digital identities. Often, organisations hesitate to go online because they feel intimidated by technology and unsure about website management. In other cases, budget concerns hold them back.  

12 Benefits of a Website  

Whether you’re a small or big business, a business website offers plenty of advantages. Here are the most significant benefits of having a business website:

1. A business website makes you look professional

Creating a company page on Facebook is a straightforward and cost-free process that anyone can do in just a few minutes. However, this ease of access can undermine the trustworthiness of business profiles on social media. Customers may be left wondering who is managing the page, where the business is located, and if it’s even legitimate.

In contrast, investing in a business website typically requires a financial commitment, which signals a genuine dedication to your enterprise. Having a well-designed website can significantly enhance your professionalism and credibility in the eyes of potential customers.  

2. It’s an essential step in your customer’s journey. 

A strong website serves as the destination for your audience, drawing them in from various channels. It’s here that you can motivate potential clients to take action. Think of your website as a storefront. People might pass by initially and choose not to enter, but on future visits, they could decide to explore and make a purchase.

Similarly, customers discover your business through different avenues, such as social media. If an ad catches their eye, they’ll likely want to learn more by visiting your website. Without a website, you risk losing their interest and missing out on the next step in their journey with your brand.

3. A website increases your visibility. 

Currently, more than 4.5 billion people are actively using the internet, and more than 90% of them connect through mobile devices. If your business doesn’t have a website, it’s like being invisible to this vast audience.

The shift towards digital has accelerated even further due to COVID-19, and without a solid online presence, your business risks becoming overlooked by potential customers. Investing in a website is essential to ensuring you stay visible in today’s market. 

4. It’s essential for local businesses. 

Numerous small business owners overlook the importance of having a strong online presence through an effective website. Unfortunately, this could mean they’re missing out on a significant revenue opportunity. Consider these compelling statistics that highlight the value of a website for local businesses: 46% of Google searches have a local focus, 97% of users rely on search engines to find nearby businesses, 28% go on to make a purchase after conducting a local search, and 70% are likely to visit a store based on information they found online. Having a dedicated business website can help you tap into this potential and boost your profitability.  

5. It offers social proof. 

Customer feedback plays a crucial role in influencing potential clients’ decisions to choose your business. While platforms like Yelp are useful, your own website serves as the most reliable source for detailed information. Showcasing your top testimonials directly on your site is a powerful method to build trust and provide social proof. Additionally, featuring your best reviews on your website helps ensure that the positive feedback isn’t overshadowed by third-party review sites.  

6. A business website gives lasting value. 

One of the best things about investing in a business website is how it continues to generate value for you even years after you’ve created it. When you pay for ads on social media, your potential clients only see your ads for as long as you run them.

If they don’t see it, you’ll have to pay again to run the ad campaign. On the other hand, a business website will give you ROI over time. Even if it doesn’t give you returns in the first year, you have time to tweak things until you get returns.  

7. Creating a business website is easier and cheaper than you think. 

A lot of business owners hesitate to build a website, thinking it’s a complicated and costly process. This perception, however, is outdated. Today, launching a quality website has never been more accessible or affordable. Through our GetDigital programme, we offer professional website creation for just £29.99 a month.  

8. A business website lets you sell online. 

Online retail is booming, with sales expected to surpass $5.4 trillion in 2022. It’s hard to imagine these figures coming from businesses without a website. Even if your company doesn’t fit the typical e-commerce mould, having a digital storefront can draw in new customers and keep sales going, even when your brick-and-mortar location is closed.  

9. You have complete control over your website. 

Having your own website gives you complete control over its design, unlike social media platforms, where you’re limited by their guidelines. You can showcase customer testimonials, videos, images, and any other content you choose.

Plus, you’re not bound by the ever-changing policies of social networks. In the event of a social media outage—like when Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp went down for hours—your website and its content are still secure and accessible.  

10. A business website is easy to manage. 

In the past, handling websites could feel overwhelming. Nowadays, thanks to user-friendly content management systems (CMS) like Content Hub and WordPress, maintaining a website is a breeze. Plus, you don’t have to be tech-savvy to keep your site current and running smoothly.  

11. Websites improve customer service. 

A well-designed website should provide all the essential information that customers are looking for. This means they won’t have to pick up the phone to ask about your location, operating hours, or other basic inquiries. By addressing these common questions online, you enhance the customer experience significantly.

Additionally, when customers can find answers themselves, your team can concentrate on more important tasks, ultimately boosting overall productivity within the company.  

12. A website helps you edge out the competition. 

As a small business, having a well-designed website can level the playing field against larger competitors. With the right strategies and optimisation, you can potentially surpass bigger companies in search rankings and attract valuable leads through organic search. 

We are offering free professional website design for all local businesses; you only pay for the maintenance costs.  

In early 2021, the Falcon Digital GETdigital programme was launched to help businesses of all sizes access professional web design services. This initiative is specifically designed to equip startups and small to medium enterprises with vital resources like strong website security, appealing designs, continuous maintenance, Microsoft email solutions, and domain management. All these offerings are geared towards enhancing their online presence and providing peace of mind.

Choosing Falcon Digital for your small business website design is a choice that can significantly enhance your digital footprint. With customised packages starting at just £29.99 a month, you’re not merely creating a website; you’re establishing a dynamic platform that can grow with your business.

We prioritise customisation, ensuring that your website truly represents your brand while maintaining adaptability to meet your evolving requirements. In today’s competitive digital environment, having a professional and effective website is essential for success. Falcon Digital provides a dependable and cost-effective way to achieve your online goals.