With a plethora of digital platforms such as Facebook, Yelp, and Google, many small business owners often wonder if they actually need their own website. I’m a little biased here, but the answer is almost always a resounding, YES! A website is one of the most important tools a small business can use to reach new customers and grow their business. I would argue that for small businesses, it is more important than ever to have a website. Consumers expect businesses to have a website that reflects your brand and values as an organization. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the reasons why small businesses need a website, and some tips on how to get started.
Why it’s Important
In today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to overestimate the importance of having an up-to-date, modern, and functional website as a business. Those that don’t are often viewed as being behind the times at best. Having a useful website shows that you’re invested in your customer’s experience.
In addition, a website can be a great marketing tool, helping you to reach a wider audience and promote your products or services. It’s one of the few places online where you can control and tailor every aspect of your interaction with your audience. So if you’re not already on the web, now is a great time to get started. You and your customers will be glad you did.
Where Do I Start?
Creating a website for your small business can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of work and research, you can be well on your way to creating a basic web presence for your small business. Here’s where to start:
1. First, decide what kind of website you need. Do you want to sell products online? Showcase your work? Provide information about your business? Once you know what you want your website to do, you can start planning its content and design.
2. Next, choose a web host and domain name for your site. Your web host is the company that will provide space on their servers for your website, and your domain name is your website’s address- one of the most important pieces in building your online brand.
3. Once you’ve found a web host, it’s time to start building your site. You can do this with a variety of website-building platforms, hand-coded pages, or by working with a professional web designer. Whichever route you choose, it’s important to be mindful of laws, regulations, privacy, and security standards that apply to your site.
I hope this guide has been helpful both in outlining why a website is crucial for any small business and how to get started on creating your own. Need a hand with your web presence? You can always get in touch!
