It’s hard to believe, but there are still some business owners and managers who think they don’t need a strong web presence or an ongoing Internet marketing campaign. Usually, they are running companies that rely on local customers who come to them because they are in the neighborhood. And so, they hold onto websites that are designed from templates, or put online many years ago.
Certainly, location and convenience can be huge advantages in business. But, even brick and mortar companies can benefit from having a professionally-designed custom website. Here are just a few of the biggest reasons why…
New Customers May Look You Up Online Before Visiting Your Business
More and more, customers are looking at websites, social media profiles, and review websites (like Yelp) before visiting a shop in-person. If you don’t have a website, or the one you have doesn’t seem to be very professional, you can’t expect to win new buyers over. At a minimum, your business website should make you seem credible and give out basic information about your products, services, and location.
Even if You Aren’t Online, Your Competitors Are
It’s important to note that you probably have lots of competitors who are online, and many of those competitors are going to have state-of-the-art websites. We aren’t just talking about other small businesses down the street, either. In the same way that hundreds of local bookshops were put out of business by Amazon, there are lots of small and niche companies that are under pressure from online retailers across the country (or even around the globe).
Your Website Can Bring in Foot Traffic
These days, most buyers turn to Google or other Internet sources to find businesses. In fact, printed directories (like the Yellow Pages) have all but disappeared in many communities. You can take advantage of that fact by having an op-to-date website with local search visibility. By simply being easy to find, you can get customers who might have otherwise overlooked your company coming straight to your front door.
Word of Mouth Has Gone Digital
Word-of-mouth advertising is still one of the fastest and most profitable ways to attract new customers. But, in the digital age, most fans aren’t going to spread the word about your company over coffee. Instead, they are going to do it through Facebook and other social media sites, not to mention online reviews. So, if you want people to spread the word about your great products, services, pricing, and customer care, you had better be easy to find on the web.
It’s Easy to Get a Great Website Optimized for Local Buyers
At the same time that the Internet has become a bigger and bigger part of doing business, even at the local level, it has become easier than ever to get a professionally-designed web presence. With just a few short meetings, you can have a team of creative minds like ours working on the pages and Internet marketing tools you need. Given that it has become so convenient and affordable to upgrade your website, there’s really no good reason to wait.
All Businesses Need Online Marketing
Even if your business has gotten by for decades without much of a web presence, there are plenty of reasons to catch up with the times and make sure you show up on the web. Why not call our team today at 630-551-0334 to get a free consultation and see how easy it is to make your company stand out online?