The Covid-19 pandemic fundamentally disrupted the world's business landscape. In its wake, online commerce has become the economy’s default buying method. Even traditionalists who, pre-quarantine, preferred to buy products at brick-and-mortar stores now do most of their shopping online. What was once merely an alternative purchasing option is now a do-or-die prerequisite for business survival. If you have not adapted to e-commerce and are still operating in digital darkness, this blog is for you. Read on to learn why you must have a website in 2021 to save yourself from losing sales!
Reason #1: Today’s Consumers Demand It
People research everything online - especially their planned purchases. Convenience and the opportunity to thoroughly learn about a company’s products or services before committing to a purchase or an in-person store visit are more than fashionable. Consumers expect businesses to have well-designed websites and consider those without them to be unprofessional and of questionable legitimacy.
Reason #2: No Website = High Costs
Lacking a web presence significantly lowers revenue! There were 256 million digital buyers in the United States in 2020, and analysts predict that figure will rise to 278 million by 2024. This represents nearly 90% of the nation’s population. E-Commerce is booming. If you want to retain and gain customers, you must have an online presence. Without one, you're a ghost!
Reason #3: Having A Website Builds Credibility
A well-designed website offers an unparalleled way to build credibility with customers. Having relevant, continually updated content that educates and assists visitors will establish your business as a trustworthy, “go-to” organization. The more blog articles, case studies, and advice you share, the more traffic you will draw. This will dramatically increase the likelihood that your firm will be at the top of buyer's minds when they need products or services like yours.
Reason #4: Google Recognizes Websites
Sales growth requires that your business attract new customers, and one of the best strategies to do so is by making your firm or business visible on Google. An intelligently constructed website will improve your visibility to Google search algorithms. Effective SEO will ensure that your company appears at the top of your customers’ direct search results. It will also enable them to find you via indirect searches that are related to your business.
Reason #5: Websites Work 24/7
No one can be available to answer questions 24/7, but a website can. People investigate products and make purchases when it is convenient for them to do so, not necessarily during business hours. A good website means you’re open for business all the time. Having one will take your customer service, relationship building, marketing, and sales efforts to much higher levels.
Reason #6: Websites Expand Networks
Networking is vital to business success. A website makes it easy to increase your connections. When you publish a high-quality blog, video, or how-to guide, you increase the probability that your audience will subscribe to and share your content with others. As your message spreads across multiple channels, your network will exponentially grow.
Reason #7: Easily Share Updates
One of the most overlooked secrets to great customer service is constant communication. Since a website is continually operational, it facilitates updates and important announcements. Keeping customers in the know will demonstrate your appreciation for them and further distinguish you from the competition.
Reason #8: Brand Control
A website lets you showcase the heart of your business. Match your colors and imagery to your personality, and you’ll give your customers a cohesive picture of who you are. Branding this way will separate your business from all others and, most importantly, attract the right kind of buyer.
Final Takeaway
A Website is a “MUST DO”
In the e-commerce era, a website is the most cost-effective marketing investment you can make. Advertising via newspapers, social media, radio, or TV is nowhere near as effective, wide-reaching, or long-lasting as a well-developed website. Don't delay longer. Your customers are waiting to find you online. Contact GROW today and let us put you in their view!
A diversified marketing strategy helps to stay ahead of the curve, and a website is still the best foundation to build it on!!