Having a small business means having to do all the leg work behind getting it up and running and to then keep it that way. Prioritization is an important factor, some may try to decide what is most important and what can fall by the way side, but there is one thing that all small businesses do need, and that’s a good, professional website.

Why Do We Need One?

Well the answer is pretty simple. People like to Google and research before they commit to anything. This is a digital age, it’s expected and with that, people expect to see a presence online as well. Customers want to see what the store offers before going in, or they want to comparison shop before they get there, as well as potentially saving a trip and running around. A small business website is essential for all of this. And the first impression is a huge one. As a shopper, when there isn’t a site, or it’s poorly designed or coded, customers will think that if the business doesn’t take care of the site, how are they going to take care of the store and the customers. No website, likely means they will go elsewhere.

It’s a Great Marketing Tool

A good website is essential and it’s a great local marketing tool to use. It’s as if you’re sending out brochures, only they’re on demand for the people who actually want the services. They use Google, Bing, Yahoo or another search engine to find you and the better your site is, the more likely you are to be considered for their business. This is where local SEO comes in. They can’t find you if you aren’t listed. Wherever you are located, people are going to search for specific location related things. If you have a business in the south, the lingo there is different than that in the Midwest, and that can change the way people search for your products and services. Using the proper keywords for your site will bring you more traffic. It has to not only be relevant to their search, but also your area, that’s what makes local SEO really important for driving sales and traffic.

Low Start Up Costs with Increased Business Value

This is such an important thing for new small businesses, a website should be considered an investment, not an expense. Maybe you don’t have the capital to open up a storefront but imagine the future as having one. Well you can build your new site and start getting business and generating capital. This leads to increased revenue and when you have the funds, it could be easier to get a loan to open up an actual physical location.

Communication

This is the most important aspect of your new website. Having a small business website with the means to contact you, the business owner, is essential. Customer service is an important skill to bring to a new business relationship and being able to contact you directly, and get answers in a fast, efficient manner is important. Maybe your business requires travel, well you can travel and still answer requests from clients at a quick pace. It makes you look more professional, available and concerned with your clients. If there is a clear way to get in contact with you on a well-designed site, people are going to feel more comfortable.

So share the information that you want them to see, present it in an easily-read, easily-digestible format, ensure you’re listed in the search engines, and provide a means for potential clients to contact you and be ready for an uptick in your business. Get your business out there, manage it, promote it, and watch it do its magic.