Even the best ideas never get off the conference room table if you can’t sell them.

Although you may not yet have a conference room table, the same concept holds true for your business and why you must have a website.

Consider this scenario: You have a great business plan with products that people really need. You fill a niche in the market nobody else can.

Without a website in today’s world, those dreams can be dashed faster than you can say, “WordPress.”

Related article: Three Logo Variations Every Brand Needs

The 9 main reasons why having a website is important for a successful business:

1 | It provides your business with an online presence.

If you don’t have an online presence, you’re basically leaving money on the table. That’s because you don’t have a place to send your customers.

Having a website also helps you reach a much bigger audience. Instead of just reaching people in your town, you can reach customers on a national scale—even a global scale!

2 | There is a decline in organic reach and reliability of social media.

There may be some of you who are thinking, “This article is not for me!” My business is doing well and I don’t have a website”. Think about it this way: Why did you get into the business in the first place?

Entrepreneurs often begin with an idea that just won’t go away. The product or service may be able to simplify your life or it may be the solution to your problem.

Either way, a broad audience will ensure that that product or service gets into as many hands as possible.

You can’t find those customers as easily through organic search anymore. Moreover, social media is an extremely crowded space with tons of competing opinions. Your website can help you stand out from the crowd.

3 | Your business has a 24/7 marketing tool.

A website will help you take your business to the next level by providing your customers with access to a 24/7 promotional tool for your business from anywhere.

Your competitors aren’t just across town anymore; they’re everywhere. That’s why having an online presence is crucial for today’s businesses.

If they have a strong website and social media presence, they are already ahead of the game.

4 | You can stand out.

Having a website establishes your brand recognition further. When you think of your business as a brand, customers often aren’t interested in engaging with a brand they’ve never heard of.

Although you might have a better product than your competitor, they may win because of their stronger brand recognition (totally unfair, but that’s the nature of marketing).

When you have a website, you set yourself apart from your competitors because you have a unique destination only you can offer.

5 | Consumers will trust you.

The prevalence of online scams makes it so important to be seen as an authentic business these days.

Getting a website is one way to build consumer trust. It contributes to your image as a professional and legitimate company.

6 | If you don’t have one, you’re missing out on search/SEO.

Having a website is an easy way for people to learn more about you.

You may be found by customers through organic search on Google or reviews on Yelp.

The bigger your online presence, the more traffic your website receives, the more recognition of your brand, and the more sales you generate. Without a website, you’re actually missing out on search and SEO.

This is how you make SEO work for you 

Websites are important for newbies, too!

You might be thinking, “I’m just trying to start my business. The website will come after I gain traction.”

You need a website for exactly this reason! Your business will gain momentum with it.

Furthermore, it allows you to engage with your customers and answer their questions in real-time.

7 | Control is in your hands.

You need a website to start your business off on the right foot, and you should definitely include that in your business plan.

One of your most effective marketing tools is your website. When you don’t have one, marketing becomes very difficult.

It’s true that word of mouth and organic conversation about your business are important, but having an online presence puts the ball in your court.

You can customise it to meet your needs as an entrepreneur so that you can market yourself more effectively.

8 | Differentiate yourself from your competitors.

Consider what kind of business owner you are before you develop a website. Are you a service provider or do you sell physical or digital products? This will help you decide on a theme and on the type of website that’s right for you.

Doing a market analysis can also help you along the way.

What other businesses are similar to yours? Do you have competitors?

You need to know who you are up against for your overall business strategy and website.

From there, you can figure out what websites you gravitate towards based on your area of expertise.

As a freelance designer, for example, what type of information does your competition showcase? Have you found any visually appealing websites from other designers?

As you move through this planning phase, knowing what you like and don’t like about different websites (including navigation, features, and user experience) is vital.

9 | Response time to customers is quick.

By now, you already know that your business needs a website. However, this is also crucial for your long-term success.

You can attract more clients and quality leads with the right website. There is no such thing as too many clients and customers (because you can never have too many), but having a website can help attract the right audiences to your business.

These customers may also contact you via your website with questions. As a result, you can connect with your customers in real time, which could potentially boost sales.

Nevertheless, building a website isn’t a one-and-done task. In order for your website to succeed over the long term, you must keep it updated. Since your business is constantly evolving and changing, it makes sense that your website should do the same.

As a result, you will need to adjust your content to the growing needs of your business, make sure your website is functioning correctly, and even remove spam comments that can hurt your brand’s credibility.

Last Thoughts

Consumers spend more money online each year, which is why having a website is so critical for your business.

It is literally a waste of money not to have a website.

We’d be happy to help you out if you’re ready to get started. Click HERE for more information.