There are very few businesses out there that don’t have a website, and for good reason. But there’s no point in having that website if it doesn’t do its job! Your business needs a website, but not just anything—a website that works for you. Whether you’re a new business, one of the holdouts that do not yet have a website, or the owner of a website that just doesn’t seem to be working, the following tips are for you.

1. Provides Credibility

When you’ve got a highly functional website, people will take note. What does it mean to have a highly functional website? Basically, your site makes things easier for viewers and performs all the functions that it says it will. If you have an online order form, for example, the form is easy to fill out and submit. If you have contact information on your site, that information needs to be accurate and up-to-date. 

When a viewer comes to your site and finds all the information and services they need, they’ll assume that your business knows what it’s doing and will be able to provide that same level of service consistently, whether in person or online. 

2. Inspires Viewers to Act

If your website is attracting visitors but those visitors aren’t converting into customers, your site is not doing its job. You need a website that works and serves its purpose. You want your website to motivate viewers to take the next step towards your product and service, and a good, working website is more than capable of doing that. If you’re not sure where to begin, check your site for:

• Calls to Action. Make sure you have at least one very clear call to action on your site (it doesn’t hurt to have more!). Explicitly state what your viewers should do next, whether that makes a purchase, contact your company, or something else completely. 

• Viewer Success. Show your readers what success looks like, and how your service or product can make it a reality for them. Once you’ve determined your audience, you’ll be able to clearly show them the success they can achieve through your organization.

3. Makes Businesses Accessible 

When someone is looking for a service or product today, one of the first things many of them will do is search for that product or service online. If your business doesn’t have a website, it’s suddenly totally inaccessible to all these viewers who search online first. Worse, if you don’t have a website that works, these searches will direct potential customers straight to your competitors (who do have websites!) instead. 

Without a working website, not only will a significant number of people never know about your business at all, but they’ll have a much harder time contacting you. One of the primary benefits of a working website is that it dramatically simplifies the contracting process by providing email, chat, and phone options all in one convenient place. If nothing else, make sure your website can keep you in touch with your audience!

4. Sets the Tone for Your Business

When people aren’t familiar with your business, your website can be a great indicator of what to expect from your brand. Is your business lighthearted and fun, or serious and informative? Your website can convey this information to viewers almost immediately and will help you hone in on your desired audience. 

One of the best ways to do this is by creating a brand script for your company. To do this, succinctly explain how the main character (your customer) can overcome a conflict (an obstacle in the customer’s life) and reach a resolution (thanks to your product or service). When you write this story in the tone of your business, your readers will get a better understanding not only of your product but your company culture as well. 

5. Bring You New Customers

Thanks to tools like Google Analytics and search engine optimization, a website that works well will not only make you accessible to your current customer base but will attract new customers as well. When your content is relevant and well-written, search engines will automatically list your website higher in their search results, so anyone shopping for a service or product in your sphere is dramatically more likely to find your website and your business by extension.

6. You can display your best reviews and testimonials prominently on your website

Displaying your best reviews and/or testimonials prominently on your website is a great way to establish social proof. 

7. You can integrate your website with Google Maps so people can find you more easily

An embedded map makes it easy for people who don’t spend a lot of time in your area to find your business. This is particularly great if you host events, as they might attract people who wouldn’t otherwise spend time in the neighborhood your business is in.

8. Your website establishes your place in the industry

If your competitors aren’t online yet, they probably will be soon. Establish yourself as a leader in your field by building a high-quality website first.

If your competitors are online, you have a different kind of opportunity: you can build a website that’s completely different from your competitors’ sites, showing potential customers what makes your company stand apart.

If you are an established business that is just now getting a website, this can be especially useful; you’re likely to attract a whole new audience that relies more on online information than your previous customer base. Adding some new blood to your customer base can make you more relevant and long-lasting than you’d otherwise be able to be.

So, do I need a website for my business? The final verdict