The consumer behavior of people has been transformed by the onset of the digital era. Technological advancement has resulted in consumers depending on the internet and various market products. In contrast to the past when businesses could grow through building relationships and relocating their storefronts to Main Street, current consumers use the internet to search for local businesses, compare prices, and check the reviews online. Small business entrepreneurs are now expected to adapt to the changes in the market and consumer behavior.
The answer is most definitely yes, especially when you compare the costs of websites to the tangible advantages they offer over traditional business marketing avenues. In this blog, we shall analyze the important aggregating factor that dictate and control modern era business operations which is the internet, and the factors that have propelled the need to shift businesses from physical stores to websites.
Finding Information Online Before Making Online Purchases
Imagine the following case from a customer’s point of view. You wish to buy a coffee maker or want to try an Italian restaurant for the first time. How do you go about it? Most probably, you will take your smartphone or laptop, search for options, and examine what is available. Customer purchase decisions are heavily influenced by social media pages, websites, and reviews.
As highlighted in the study by Clutch, over 97% of consumers in the United States conduct online searches prior to their purchasing decisions. This emphasizes the extent to which the internet plays a role during the buyer’s journey. In the absence of a website, your business will remain invisible to a significant portion of potential customers who are conducting research online.
Alarming Figure: Small Businesses lacking Websites
A stunning portion of small businesses do not exist online which contradicts consumer behavior and expectations. Roughly 51% of small businesses in the US do not possess a company website. This is more than a major setback; it severely restricts the ability of these small businesses to thrive in the market due to their lack of digital presence.
If your small business is a part of the 51%, consider this a wake-up call. Your competitors who grasp the power of the internet are likely expanding their customer base at your expense.
Validating Your Small Business With The Digital Age
Creating a business website involves investment, but it may be the most impactful decision for your business. The following outlines why creating a online presence is highly favored for small businesses:
Improving Online Visibility and Business Recognition
In essence, a website can serve as your contact card, digital storefront, and customer representative desk all at once. In case there are potential clients searching for services or products that you render, having a professional looking website will aid in boosting your business’ credibility.
Trust is a highly important part of any business transaction and absence of a website can lead to feelings of distrust. Well crafted websites foster trust. Even providing contact details on a simply, visually pleasant site can aid in transforming customers for the better.
Widened Market reach and Opportunities
Physical shop outlets may constrain you to a specific region. However, with a website, you can broaden your geographical scope. You can reach clients from all over the country or even global, regardless of whether you sell handcrafted items, provide specialized services or run a niche store.
For instance, an e-commerce feature on your website can act as a store that is opened and unattended to all the time, and clients can visit and examine products from any location as well as make purchases. This level of ease is important because an increased number of customers are preferring to shop online instead of visiting the stores in person.
Business Website and Cost-Effective Marketing
It is hardly a secret that businesses are spending huge amounts of money on traditional advertising methods such as print ads, radio, or TV. Perhaps the biggest benefit of having a business website is that it allows you to access and implement most digital advertising options, and having your business website is not an exception.
Analytics and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tools allow you to track where your website visitors are coming from, which of your products or services are most popular, and how effective your advertising is. Moreover, hosting blog posts, advertisement campaigns and other content for a specified audience is cost free, and this can be done through your website.
Enhanced Customer Support
Without needing to pick up a phone, today’s clients expect all vital information to be accessible at their fingertips. A well-designed website offers operating hours, pricing info, FAQs, and even live chat features that cater to this need.
As an example, if you run a restaurant, listing delivery options and reservations alongside an online menu can enormously help customers looking for ease. The same applies to an auto repair shop that could provide a list of services and an easy appointment booking feature.
Strategic Edge
Does your business have room to not have a website if all of your competitors do? A website helps businesses integrate into the online marketplace so that they can stand next to competitors regardless of size while providing tailored offerings, services, and recommendations.
In fiercely competitive industries, we suggest a healthy investment in SEO for ensured visibility towards the forefront of search engines. Increased chances of being found maximize visibility, traffic, and reinforces the brand above competitors.
Stay Ahead or Risk Falling Behind
The data is clear and the patterns obvious. Small business owners today must understand that having a business website is no longer optional, but critical to survival in today’s competitive marketplace. Having a website increases visibility, serves as an inexpensive marketing tool, and expands reach, making it the backbone of successful small businesses.
The digital wave we are riding may not slow down anytime soon, but businesses without a proper online presence will certainly drown.
The website is the core marketing tool for small businesses. So small business owners need to make the leap. Start low and seek professional help, but most importantly, get started. Customers are online and ready to spend their money; don’t miss the opportunity due to inaction. Establish an online presence and set the business in motion to ensure sustained growth.
