Does your business have a website? With today’s consumers first looking for information before contacting or entering a business or even making a purchase, a website is an absolute necessity for all local companies.
Your website is not just a digital business card but a tool that can increase visibility, support customer relationships and give you a competitive advantage. Establishing a solid online presence to demonstrate why you are unique and the right choice is essential for small businesses seeking to thrive in a world filled with a million choices.
An updated website that shows your business’ products and general information, and is set up to display correctly on a mobile phone, tablet, or computer, provides your business with:
• Immediate Credibility – an informative, well-designed website lends trustworthiness and professionalism to your business and shows customers that you are capable of meeting their needs in an environment where they can purchase almost anything from a larger company.
• Online Presence – Consumers today expect to find information online, and it’s often the first place they’ll look for a business, whether they heard about it from a friend or saw it while driving by.
• Tool to Attract Customers – Local businesses focus on serving their immediate community, but a website breaks down geographical barriers and allows you to reach a wider audience that might be interested in what you have to offer, whether they are in another part of the state or another part of the country.
• Round-the-Clock Selling Opportunity – having a website can provide a competitive edge that allows customers to search for relevant products or services and information about your advantage and make your business visible around the clock – even when you’re closed for the day.
• Improved Customer Service – your site can be a powerful tool to connect with your current and potential customers by offering them contact forms, allowing them to book appointments on their own time, or ways to submit feedback.
• Cost-Effective Marketing – using your website for marketing increases your visibility with search engines like Google and Bing and allows you to share promotional content, information and resources that keep customers interested.
• Ways to Improve – using advanced tools available, your website can measure data that can help you gain valuable insights into customer preferences, peak visits, and the effectiveness of different marketing strategies, which will help you make better decisions about your products and services.
Whether designing a new website for your business or updating your existing site, you don’t have to do it alone. The purpose of a website is to help position your business in front of the people you want to reach. Ideally, it should be easy to navigate, with a clean and intuitive design. A local professional can help you find the best approach and cost that reaches your target and is right for you.
Scott Rainone is the managing partner of Fahrenheit Strategic, based in Ravenna, Ohio. The marketing and digital strategy firm connects public and private companies and organizations to their most important audiences. Connect at startlaunchwin.com to grow your business with focused marketing, branding and social media strategies.
