Why you need a website in 2020 – now more than ever

Do you own a business or think of starting one?

Many business owners assume that having a Facebook page is enough but in fact, having your own business website is incredibly important if you want to succeed or continue growing your business.

Read on to find out why you need a website in 2020 and beyond so that you keep up with the competition.

Why you need a website in 2020

Right now, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, business isn’t exactly thriving, but when it is, it’s mainly online. Think about it – many stores are closed or remain empty, while people stay home and surf the Web. Instead of despairing, consider this an opportunity to grow your business online. But for that to happen, you’ll first need a well optimized website.

Even if we step back from the current global situation, owning a website is crucial for your success. Here are all the reasons why you need a website in 2020 – right now!

Customers expect you to have a website

I don’t know about you but when I personally search online for a brand’s website and land on a Facebook page instead, I feel a bit annoyed. It turns out, a lot of people share this sentiment.

Yet, shockingly, about 35% of small businesses still don’t have their own website.

However, at least an account on social media is better than nothing. Imagine a business with no internet presence at all. Madness, isn’t it? That’s what most consumers will think nowadays.

In the digital era we live in, everyone expects to be able to look up a business on search engines and immediately find information about it. Most consumers prefer to do research online before making a purchase or visiting the physical store.

If you don’t have a website, I’m sorry, but you are sending a negative message out there – you’re either too old-fashioned to keep up with the modern ways of doing business, or you’re not open anymore. And consumers will simply go to your competitors.

But you are interested in finding new customers, right? Then go on and declare your presence in the online world because you’re missing out on potential customers as we speak.

Continue reading and you’ll get even more convinced.

A website makes you more professional and trustworthy

First, let’s make clear that we’re talking about a well optimized website with a modern look. You don’t need to spend a crazy amount of money on it, but it has to look clean and be easy to navigate.

Now, let’s do a quick experiment – if you open a random brand’s official website and its Facebook page, which one would you prefer?

You have the right to differ, but most people would choose the website without even having to think about it. Why? Because it looks more professional and feels more credible.

Did you know that 75% of people judge your credibility on your website design?

That’s why it’s crucial to have an up-to-date website with a custom domain and trustworthy content.

Moreover, a website shows you’re open for business during these uncertain times.

You can control everything

Another great advantage of having your own website is that you control everything – the web design, the content on your website, the company branding and logo…

Visitors can easily find all the information they need on your webpage. You can answer all their questions at once, instead of having to respond to each one individually. This will save you a lot of time and will retain potential customers who might otherwise give up and leave.

What’s more, you won’t have to depend on the reviews and comments about your business on other platforms. You decide how your brand is presented to the world.

You reach a bigger audience

If you rely on Facebook or Instagram, your business page there is not exactly yours. Rules and algorithms change, and you don’t have full security and independence.

Besides, that way you limit your reach to consumers who are on these social media, but there are many more waiting for you out there. The social media world is dynamic and while one thing is popular today, that doesn’t mean it will be popular tomorrow. Users migrate from one social platform to the next, and you never know how many opportunities you are missing.

Having your own website will give you not only stability and independence, but also help you expand your reach. Besides, you won’t have to fight for users’ attention against other brands, while competition on social media is severe.

The best thing is that with the right SEO strategy for your website, you can reach a global audience and outperform your rivals.

You can make sales online

Online sales have been getting more and more popular, especially now with the coronavirus situation. These trends are expected to stay even after life gets back to normal. So it’s smart to hurry up and invest in a website, even if you don’t consider yourself an “ecommerce” business.

What’s great is that you can make sales 24/7 through your online store. This will help increase your income even when you’re closed in-person.

Besides, having a good website will help you reach more prospects organically on Google and other search engines.

You can reach customers locally

Websites are not only for doing business globally. On the contrary, they work great for local business as well. About 46% of Google searches are actually people searching for something near them, like a restaurant, cafe or a store, especially users of mobile devices on the go.

Imagine how disappointing it is to miss out on all of these potential customers who are looking to buy your products when they are right under your nose. But if you don’t appear online, that’s what will happen. What a shame indeed!

You can save money and time on advertising

Do you rely mainly on expensive traditional advertising? What if there is a cheaper and even more effective way?

There is! Websites cost much less now than they did in the past, and take less time to create and update. Plus, they give you a wider reach than regular advertising.

It is easy to update your website

Some years ago, it’s true that websites weren’t the best. They were difficult to manage. But now everything’s changed.

You can choose between numerous platforms for your webpage and easily keep it up to date with just several clicks of your mouse, adding and changing texts, photos, videos, and so on. Of course, you can simply hire someone to maintain your website in good condition.

Why you need a website in 2020: Conclusion

What did we learn today? That websites work amazingly well for increasing your traffic, conversions and sales. They help for your reputation in front of new prospects and help you reach more of your target audience, resulting in fewer missed opportunities. That’s why you need a website in 2020.

Almost all businesses surveyed have said they planned to have a website by the end of the year. Make sure to beat the competition!

Do you have a website already?

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