We live in a digital age where a website is a valuable marketing tool and yet I still hear the question being asked, “Why do I need a website?” What also surprises me is the amount of times I’ve looked for information about a company online and have come up with nothing. You may think your business is doing just fine without a website – which may be the case – but think about how much better your business could be doing with one!

There are many advantages to having a website and to help convince you I have come up with the top 8 reasons why you need one now.

1. Ensures people find you

Let’s start with a fact: 80% of users research a company online before deciding to do business with them. If you don’t have a presence online then how are potential customers going to find you? The answer is, they won’t. Think of all the potential business you are missing out on by simply not having an online presence. Consumer trends are changing and it’s essential you keep up with them to ensure your company continues to succeed.

2. Builds reputation, credibility and trust

Many of your potential customers may not be familiar with your company, so a website is your chance to make a great first impression. Having a well-designed website will help convey a professional image of your business and allows you to showcase your previous work and accomplishments. To help build credibility and trust with potential customers display photos of employees, testimonials from customers and a portfolio showcasing your previous work on your website.

3. Showcases your company’s true personality

Social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn are great platforms for your business to be on, but they don’t allow for much differentiation and it’s hard to show your company’s whole personality. When potential customers find you online you want them to have the same first impression they would have when walking into your store for the first time. With a website you are able to design it however you like, create any type of content you want, and infuse your business’ true personality into it.

4. Open 24/7

A website allows you to promote your business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No matter where your customers are located they will be able to find information about your business and have access to your products or services at any time. You could be spending time with family or in bed sleeping and your website will be working for you.

5. Offers customer service and support

Many businesses are now offering online support as they are finding it easier and more cost-effective to have. Nothing is more damaging to your company than upset customers spreading bad word-of-month about your business. With a website there are many ways to offer quick and easy support to your customers when they have a problem.

You can have a FAQS page where customers can go to for answers to common questions. You can also have an online support system where the customer is connected directly to a customer support representative. Or if it’s outside of business hours you can get them to fill out an online form and get back to them straightaway in the morning of the next business day.

6. Cost-effective advertising

A website is one of the most cost-effective ways of marketing and attracting new customers to your business. Think of it like this – one brochure (but way better and interactive) that the whole world can see instantly. You don’t have to worry about reprinting or redistribution costs and any changes can be made right away without the cost of reproduction. Compared to other forms of advertising (such as newspaper or radio ads), a website requires a small investment and allows you to reach a global audience.

7. Reach new markets

With over a third of the world’s population online, having a website allows people from across the world to find your business. That’s a huge audience (worldwide!) and you never know where you might find customers. Therefore, having an online presence exposes your business to a greater audience and can help expand your customer base.

8. Increase sales and revenues

If you’re in business then you’re in a competition and you want to stay competitive. Some people believe that if you have a physical store location then you don’t need an online presence. But let me tell you that is not true, as a website can help draw in potential customers from all over the world. Even if you don’t sell your products or services online you can still benefit from having a website to get your business name out there and your company noticed.

Consumer trends are changing and you don’t want to let your business fall behind. A website is an important part of your business and if you don’t have one you are missing out on a great opportunity!

These are just a few of the many reasons why you need a website and if you have more to add please feel free to below!