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How do a websites help small business owners? The difference between the successes of the old stories that our parents or neighbors had and the successes of today’s small businesses have to do with technology. Business owners, who have no knowledge or misuse of this, are doomed to the certain death of their virtual business. For this reason, we cannot miss any detail of our business, big or small, to communicate our brand to a potential customer on the web with creating websites. As important as the mobile revolution and the rise of social networks have redefined the way we do business and communicate. Yet these are only small elements of an overall business plan that must be kept in mind on a company website.
Small Businesses Live or Die on the Quality of Site
While not everyone can be a virtuoso of web design, it is still vital to design a site within a business vision and optimized for modern Internet consumers. Many small businesses, especially the new ones, run a poor operation. They focus on urgent needs, spending only on the most elemental. Thus, it is easy to see that many business owners believe that having a website is a luxury they can do without.
They may believe that a page on Facebook is enough to have an online presence or that signing with your phone number will generate calls; Even a traditional mailing strategy will help them sell products. However, the truth is that the only way to start with promoting a business is to build a professional website. When you start to expand a business and make it known to the world, the first thing you have to invest in is having a website for your company. Nevertheless, we are so familiar with the term that we overlook the structure and operation of the network. Now let’s find out what a website is.
What is a website?
A website is a virtual place in the network that stores content for people to have access to it. It is confirmed by several documents that are arranged in an organized way so that it is virtually attractive; these documents are called web pages. Therefore, a website is the organized and structured compilation of a certain number of web pages. The web pages of which the sites conform must be developed under a code called HTML and be hosted to a domain that, in simple words, will be the place that will make the website be viewed in any type of web browser (hosting).
Now that we know what a website means, let’s describe what a small business looks like:
Small business
People often talk about small business or micro business. But what is a small business? This sounds simple, but in fact, there can be several definitions around small business. This can range from a solo web entrepreneur to a multi-million dollar business. Okay, break the term “small business”. The business part of the definition is quite simple. Basically, if you provide goods or services to customers, you are a business. Individual entrepreneurs are also a type of business. If you produce value to sell, then you are a business. The problem comes when we try to define “small”. What is called “small”?
Usually, the size definition is based on the number of employees or the amount of turnover you make, or maybe both. Sometimes it is also based on the asset size of the company’s balance sheet. The size of the company is an important factor in knowing where to place and how to position your project. Just so we’re all on the same page, you have to make sure we’re defining the term “small business” in the same way. While, yes, it applies to moms and dad’s bakery around the corner, it can also apply to businesses a little larger than some would expect. The Small Business Administration (SBA) defines a small business as a company that employs less than 500 people. Therefore, while Google and Facebook are certainly no longer considered small businesses, at one time they were. And for now, micro businesses had to start somewhere!
An effective website is the cornerstone of any successful micro business: it houses important information and allows customers to expect you to have one. The websites help small business owners and can acts as a portal for customers to learn more about your company, as well as investigate the information of your products and determine if they agree to make a deal with you.
If you own a small business you should know that a website is not an expensive luxury or a frivolous effort: it is a cost-effective and fundamental tool that every business needs. A website is a pillar for your marketing before you print business cards or spend a penny on advertising; you need to start with a marketing strategy by building a website. In the most developed countries, it has been demonstrated that the intensity in the application of new technologies and the incorporation of a Website is positively correlated with the increase in sales, productivity and market value of companies. No matter the size of the company, it is of utmost importance to reach your customers in a massive and simple way for them. Nothing is better for that than the Internet itself.
While it is true that there are many social networks in which you can advertise for free or paid, having a Website raises the company’s own prestige and allows your customers to increase the level of trust towards your product or service. Social networks show random results that do not always go hand in hand with the behavior of the final consumer; therefore the actual impact of the study cannot be measured. The websites developed by Smack wagon Design are able to measure all types of analytic to achieve concrete results. We have all visited more than one website in which we have not even 30 seconds and we do not want to continue browsing; however, there are some that you fall in love at first sight. That is why not only is it enough to have a “page” on the World Wide Web, but you must know how to exploit all the advantages and benefits that will allow you to take the elite level to your company or personal business.
Do you still think that your business is not ready or does not need a website? After reading this article you will not think the same. Now, back to our subject and before we talk about benefits, let’s explore 3 fairly common objections:
Objection 1: “My business is local. Why should I have a website if I do not sell online? “
It is correct to say that making sales is one of the possibilities that your company wins with a website. In the same way, it is incorrect to say that a website should only serve this purpose. If this were true, all internet pages would have the purpose of marketing products/services. And we know that’s not what happens.
If your business was local, such as a law office, an architectural studio or an Italian restaurant, you can use a website to attract new customers and relate to your audience.
Google search is widely used by users looking for solutions and services for their problems. Therefore, when someone searches for “civil lawyer in Bogotá”, “architects in Guadalajara” or “Italian restaurant in Buenos Aires”, their own website will surely have more authority for search engines as well as the fact that it transmits a much more professional to the user than a simple result with an address and a phone number.
In that case, a website can act as a first channel of contact between your business and your audience. It is a good first impression and fundamental for that visitor to become effectively a client in the future. Who would not want to get a good deal on a restaurant over the weekend?
Objection 2: “But my business/agency is small, why do I need a website?”
That’s why! Having a site is a key step in initiating an Inbound Marketing strategy, which works very well to give an initial boost to micro businesses and start-ups.
As for traditional marketing, you need a high investment in the beginning. On the other hand, Digital Marketing allows a lower investment and a higher return on investment (ROI), once it is easy to analyse the result obtained with all the actions performed.
The online marketing is an interesting way and a differential for you to enter your business in the market since it is difficult to compete with large companies and already established using the same old and traditional marketing strategies.
Objection 3: “But I already have a Facebook page, I do not need a website.”
A Facebook page is another fundamental item as well as the website. Therefore, one channel does not replace the other. In the end, where are you going to take your Leads? From your website or from a social network? By analogy, where would you like to be found by your customers; at a desk or in a cafe inside a mall? Here in the company, we see Social Networks as excellent channels of traffic generation and engagement with the public. That is, we use this medium as a lever for our Digital Marketing strategy, but not as the main channel.
Now that we’ve commented on the most common objections among small business owners that are still reluctant to have a website, let’s talk about reasons why your business should have a website and the benefits it brings to your business.
Why your Micro Business should have a Website?
A website is usually the first interaction you have with your prospects, and it is the place where your marketing efforts go online. For this reason, you need to make the first impression positive. To avoid getting too technical, when you think about what a website is, you should see it as a permanently open store. This store is available day and night, rain or shine, promoting your business and serving your potential customers as well as your current customers. Below we compiled a list of reasons that justify micro business rapid growth using a website:
1) The first thing people do is look for you on the internet
What if someone is looking for a company in your industry and is not able to find you because you are not there.
I recently read a study that indicates that 81% of people research online before visiting a store or making any major purchases. Do not lose all the potential customers available just by not having a website.
2) Your competition probably has a page
Imagine that one of your customers is looking for you but ends up finding the web page of your competition and calls them instead of you. The cost of not having a website is much higher than the cost of having one.
3) Brand
A website is an excellent opportunity to show what you are, what you do, and present your brand. In addition to that, you can help build credibility and online presence.
4) Build a relationship with your customers
Websites can help your customers feel connected to your company. By providing your contact information, social links, and contact form you are one step away from interacting with them.
5) Website offers media to demonstrate your work
Notwithstanding the type of business you run, a web site is just the best place you can show your work. With the inclusion of an image gallery or a portfolio and even testimonials of your business, you can also display what makes your work stand out.
6) Having a website saves you valuable time
Providing information to your customers requires time, either by phone, face-to-face, in a brochure or in emails. With an online catalogue, you can provide a lot of information about your products and services. Once your website is available to your customers indefinitely, it will save you a lot of time. And what is the time? Time is money!
7) Improvement of customer support
Maybe you sell for example environmentally friendly products and would like to share tips on how to recycle, or maybe you are an accountant and want to give your clients advice on how to simplify their accounting practices. With adding articles and by the inclusion of a FAQ page, or being able to upload newsletters which help solve all your users’ queries, so that they can be up to date.
However, knowing why your business needs a website is as important as knowing the benefits it brings to your business. One misconception about websites is that they are ideal for global national or corporate companies with audiences around the globe. In fact, web sites are particularly beneficial to small businesses.
Website gets sales for small businesses the best way to connect them with local people. In addition, search engines often rank results by location. In other words, if you are looking for “shoe stores near me”, Google will not offer you results in Europe (unless you live in Europe). It is very clear that the online presence presents great benefits for small businesses, especially those that sell locally. No matter where you are you can start with an efficient website to introduce you to customers.
Benefits of getting a websites help small business owners
1 . Global range of your product or service
The purpose of all our advertising and marketing is to position ourselves in the consumer’s mind, right? And the more audience we are, the more likely we are to be recognized. Well, with a Website, all people with Internet access (today are the majority) will be able to know everything about your business or company. You can keep them abreast of all the news and promotions you want. The level of potential customers will rise significantly and the experience of your fixed customers will be even better.
2 . Prestige and quality of your company
Who does not want your company to be considered of high prestige and quality? This not only depends on the product and service or what the company can say or stop saying. Nor is it strictly dependent on sales. The consumer not only purchases by necessity but by preference, by impulse or by attraction to a certain product or service. And at the moment of making their decision, quality and prestige almost always influence. The prestige and quality are demonstrated and what better way to prove it than with a first class website.
3 . Your company presentation card
Most people are currently looking for referrals through the largest search engine in the world, Google. In order to be indexed by Google, you have to have a Website if or yes. Having only social networks is not enough, much less when customers are demanding. Being able to appear in Google and other search engines with a presentable web page, hosted on a good server and of good quality gives the customer immense confidence in relating your company with a disbursement of your money.
4 . Competitive advantage
Having a good website can be the advantage that sets you apart from your competition. Do not just create a website for your business, but know how to manage and make the most of this powerful tool. Providing your customers with a website that brings them closer to your business so they can keep abreast of your news, offers and information in a simple and attractive way will keep them interested in you about the rest of your competitors. There are thousands of ways to attract your customers to your Website, but one of the hardest things is to keep them interested in returning.
5 . Excellent cost – benefit relationship
A website has a low cost compared to other advertising media, which in addition to being temporary, do not always reach the entire target market that we propose. The Internet is undoubtedly one of the tools most used today by people of all ages and the prices to maintain a website is quite favorable if we take into account the thousands of benefits it gives.
6 . You small business will be creative and reliable
Today, more and more consumers are using the Internet to find the products or services they need. Your small business will become credible by having a website. If you have a web page you will provide your business with a professional image that will inspire greater confidence for your customers.
7 . A website will help you get money
As a micro business owner, it is likely you believe that one can not pay for a professional site simply because it is outside of the spending plan. Despite the fact that the price of developing a web site is varied, as soon as it is launched and established, a web site for your small business generally costs much less than one hundred dollars each month or even as low as twenty dollars. As compared to the expense of an advertisement in the magazine and newspaper, when we take into account the prospective market that can be reached with a web site, it is an economical approach to publicize your small business.
8 . Having a website will allow you to understand your customers
Consider your web site as a an online catalogue or sales brochure. It is incredibly easier and also quicker to update information regarding what you offer and services on your site as compared to printing materials therefore it is a great way to enable potential customers be aware of the arrival of new items, special offers, the new services, or the events you now offer. In contrast to print adverts that get easily antiquated, your website will provide important information and also latest news.
9 . Always be accesssible ( 24/7 )
A web site is accessible to both the frequent and also prospective customers 24/7/365 offering them the chance to evaluate what you offer and services they received in your store. To access potential customers with busy life styles, owning a website is an excellent selling point when making a buying choice.
10 . A website helps make a broader marketplace
Whether you offer services or products, your site gives you an additional location to sell them. Being a retailer, a web site (e-commerce) is the best spot to sell your product or service to a wider market, even services can be offered worldwide. Should you not plan to sell your products or even services online? Remember, even houses and cars can be bought online!
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