If your business is reasonably successful, you might come up with a few reasons why an intuitive and easy to use website isn’t what your business needs.
Sure, you understand the need to have a basic presence online, but you might not think that a website is going to make much of a difference for your business — especially if your profits aren’t an issue.
Many business owners ask, “Since I have a small business with a small workforce, and since we don’t sell anything online, do I need a website?”
The answer is YES!
If you have a business, you can avoid losing business to competitors who already have a website by having one of your own.
Furthermore, are you sure you can’t increase profits by selling your products online? COVID-19 has changed the retail meta, with millions of online looking for everything from gifts to entertainment to tech to books and so much more. So while you are indecisive, your competitor has likely seen how effective a website can be for their business.
Nobody wants to be left behind when it has already been proven that selling your products online will increase your profits.
But you might ask, “Doesn’t my Facebook page count?”
It’s common for businesses to rely on Facebook or other social media platforms as their main advertisement channel. And these channels offer advantages.
For example, they help build a larger audience and even help you carry out market research. However, a Facebook page should not replace your business website. Here are some reasons why:
1. You don’t own your Facebook Page
What happens if, one morning, Facebook decides that it won’t support businesses anymore? If your Facebook page was your only presence online, all of the followers and clients you have gained would very likely start looking elsewhere.
In fact, not too long ago, Facebook was down globally, causing moments of frenzy.
And while it is a very small chance that Facebook will stop supporting businesses, you don’t have any say in any changes to the way Facebook decides to run their business.
With your own website, however, you have complete control over the appearance and features of your websites.
2. Facebook Has SEO Limitations
Think about it. Where do you go when looking for anything on the internet, especially somewhere you can purchase a product? Facebook or Google? Sure, you might find some products as advertisements while scrolling through Facebook, the 3.5 billion daily queries on Google show that most people prefer search engines over social networks to find what they need.
A business website allows you to position yourself so people will find you when they look online concerning the products you sell or the services you provide. Even if you can’t easily compete with larger websites, you can optimize your site for local searches to attract an audience in your area.
3. A Website Is More Credible
A website for your business that is easy to use and customised to your own branding is a badge of trust, and people only buy from businesses they like, trust and know. So while it might be more quick and easy to create a Facebook page, you would be able to command more trust and authority with a business website.
4. Attention is Fleeting on Facebook
Facebook is massively competitive. Having your business listed on Facebook means that you’re constantly fighting off competition from several other companies.
What’s more, you have to contend with your potential customers’ Facebook friends. Most people find online ad annoying, especially when they want to interact with friends, making them ignore your business posts or ads.
On the other hand, a business website ensures that you have a potential client’s full attention. So while you might do some legwork to get them over to your website, once they’re on your website, the chances of patronage are higher.
Now, we aren’t saying you shouldn’t have a Facebook page for your business. But, instead, your Facebook page and other social media should support your website—not replace it.
The decision to either create a website for your business or not is ultimately yours to make. However, if part of your business goals is to improve lead generation, visibility, social proof, and authority, then creating a website is an excellent place to start.
