10 Benefits of Creating a Website for Your Small Business

Thinking that creating a website is unnecessary when running a small business? Think again!

Today, websites are for business owners what Schrute Farms was for Dwight Schrute.

He cared for it passionately. He invested in it, and eventually turned it into “the number one beet-related agritourism destination in Northeastern Pennsylvania”. And, believe it or not, that’s coming from Trip Advisor.

While having a website might have been a luxury back when Dunder Mifflin was operating, nowadays it is a necessity.

Stepping Into the Online World

Sure, this beloved character from The Office had an unusual passion. But, in the end, his commitment paid off, and the beet farm made Dwight rich.

Just imagine what he could have done had he stepped into the online world.

So, it seems we can all learn from this quirky character. In short, we can learn what it means to stay devoted to a business idea and pursue it with all you’ve got.

And, what you’ve got today is a lot more than what Dwight had way back when.

Simply put, you have the opportunity to reach global audiences and thus take your business to a whole new level.

The Whys of Creating a Website for Your Small Business

Being comfortable with traditional business methods, you may be wondering whether making this transition is really necessary.

Well, nobody is asking you to abandon the traditional business methods. In fact, combined with online strategies, they can work extremely well.

Nevertheless, if you’re still on the fence about creating a website, it’s time to get your facts straight. It’s time to learn how you can benefit from it.

So, let us talk about the whys of taking your small business online.

Expanding Your Limited Reach

You’ve set up a brick and mortar store, or offices, and you’ve started having quite some visitors.

The value you are offering keeps people from the surrounding are coming back for more. And that’s amazing!

But, at one point, you’ll start wondering. Is this really enough? Can you do more?

Well, yes! You can absolutely do more!

Creating a website means overcoming barriers. It means shattering the glass ceiling and embracing limitless possibilities.

Thus, if you’re ready to expand your limited reach, the first thing to do is invest in a website.

Creating a Website to Increase Foot Traffic

Did you know that a website can increase foot traffic to your physical offices? I know it sounds a bit counterintuitive. But, it’s the way things work!

First off, listing your address, and your business hours, online will help people find you more easily. Then, advertising your products and services on the website will spark their interest. Enticing them to pay you a visit and experience what you have to offer firsthand.

Whether you’re running a restaurant, a convenience store, or any other business, foot traffic is important. And, a nicely designed website can help you increase it.

Writing Your Own Narrative

Every company has its own, unique, story. But, if you don’t write that story yourself, the customers will do it for you. After all, we are programmed to attach meaning to all our experiences. So, if we’re not given a story, we are compelled to invent one of our own.

With a great website, you are the one who controls the narrative. You choose the color schemes and the content. You create a personality for your brand and present its values to the visitors. In short, you directly impact how people perceive your brand. Thus, you can set your brand apart with stories.

This allows you to connect with the audience on a deeper level and eventually built a loyal customer base.

Switching From Phone Calls to Written Queries

Direct phone calls are still valuable for your business. Yet, they are also time consuming. Plus, they limit your ability to answer multiple queries at once.

This is why businesses are switching to written queries. Email forms and chatbots integrated into your website can streamline communication and save you a lot of time. What’s more, these written queries create records of communication, which can improve the quality of customer service.

Outshining Your Competitors With SEO

Running a successful business means being in a never-ending race with your competitors.

And, creating a website and optimizing it for search engines is a sure path towards winning that race. A path towards outshining your competitors, attracting more organic traffic and ultimately increasing your customer base.

Most people never look beyond the first page of search results on their browser. Well, SEO can get you there and thus help your brand stand out.

Building Authority With a Blog

Content marketing is another tool you can take advantage of if you have a website for your small business. Sure, there are different content marketing formats to explore and invest in. But, blog posts stand out as the most useful option in the long run.

High quality blog content will keep visitors coming back to your website. Furthermore, it will improve your SEO rankings and drive more traffic. Then, it also allows you to engage with your audience and build a brand community.

In short, creating a website and starting a blog builds brand authority.

Staking a Claim to Your Business Name

Branding starts with a good business name. If you have it already, you should stake a claim to it.

So, don’t let anyone hijack your business name. Instead, buy the domain with that name and claim your piece of the Internet.

Reinforce the name with a personal and unique .ME extension, and make your brand recognizable.

Creating a Website to Get on the Map

Creating a website for your small business gets you on the map. And, I mean that both literally and figuratively.

A website informs people of your brand’s existence, thus getting you on their map.

But, it also makes sure your business appears on maps and in local search results. Google maps integration, as well as listing your address on the website, helps potential visitors find you. And, it provides them with clear directions on how to visit you.

Building a Brand That Lasts

Inspired by Schrute Farms, you want to build a brand that lasts. And, while Dwight had his own methods, you have to use the methods that work today.

A website is the foundation of a lasting brand. It helps you showcase what you have to offer. It conveys reliability and quality. Most importantly, it makes people remember you.

Staying Relevant

To really build a brand that lasts, you’ll have to remain relevant in the digital landscape.

So, create a website and work on regularly updating it. Follow trends and take note of any changes in consumer behavior. This way, you won’t fade away into the background. This way, you’ll stay relevant.

You Can’t Afford Not To

Creating a website for your small business will get you on the map. Then, it will help you improve the efficiency of operations, as well as expand your reach. Finally, you will get to build a strong brand that will last.

So, if wondering whether you should do this, let me leave you with one thought. You can’t afford not to.