With more and more consumers turning to the internet for their purchasing decisions, having a website has become a necessity rather than a luxury. However, many small business owners may wonder if they can still run a successful business without a website. The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no, as it ultimately depends on the type of business and its target audience.

Can a business be run without a website?

Absolutely! Countless solopreneurs across the globe have successfully run their businesses solely through the power of personal recommendation. With various strategies at their disposal, these ingenious entrepreneurs have managed to generate substantial interest. However, this might not be the best approach for every kind of growth focused business. Therefore, each astute business owner must carefully deliberate and discern the ideal path that resonates with their unique venture. In this article, we will discuss the potential consequences of not having a website and the benefits of having a well designed website. Hopefully this post will help you decide what is right for you.

You may be missing out.

A positive first impression is a must for any business. However, without a website, you may be limiting your reach, therefore minimising the chances of making the positive impact you intend to make online for establishing your potential customer base. Meanwhile, your competitors are likely slaying the competition by establishing their online presence. So, while you’re tempted to forego a website, doing so, may mean that you’re missing out on countless prospects.

What makes a well-built website?

A well built website is tailor made to the client’s specific needs and goals. The main purpose of a website is to have a competitive online advantage for building consumer trust and to convert site visitors into paying clients. The website is built for user experience (UX),  is search engine optimised (SEO) using SEO best practices, shows up on the search engine results pages, offers an attractive web page layout, offers fast loading times, is security focused, offers easy and intuitive navigation, uses responsive design, has consistent branding, supports marketing efforts, offers easy maintenance and updates, uses analytics and insights, information accessibility is prioritised, has a relevant and concise web copy to engage and inform the target audience.

Why may you need a website?

Use your website like a central business hub to skyrocket your visibility, showcase products and services 24/7, and drive visitors from the search engine to your web pages to engage your audience and convert them into paying customers. Your website is more than just a digital representation of your business. It’s a powerful tool that can instantly establish credibility and trust with your potential customers. In this fast-paced, digital world, consumers have become savvy and cautious when it comes to making purchasing decisions. They want to research, compare, and read reviews before committing to a product or service.

By having a well-designed, performance based and informative website, you are showing your audience that you take your business seriously and that you are a reputable and trustworthy entity. A website allows you to showcase your expertise, highlight customer testimonials, and provide valuable information that helps potential customers make informed choices.

So, if you want to make a lasting impression and stand out from the crowd, having a website is not just an option, it’s a necessity.

An online presence attracts more customers.

In the fast-paced world of technology, it’s more important than ever for businesses to establish a strong online presence. By using social media platforms, online directories, and search engines, you can attract a larger customer base and ultimately grow your business. The beauty of the digital age is that potential customers can access your business web pages at any time, making it crucial to have a captivating online presence.

Taking your business online not only allows you to showcase your products or services, but it also provides an opportunity to engage with potential customers and build brand awareness. This can be achieved through the creation of compelling social content, educational blog articles, or by incorporating interactive features on your website. By connecting with your target market on a personal level, you can establish trust and gain a loyal following. Embracing the digital landscape presents endless possibilities for expanding your customer base. So why wait? Take advantage of the opportunities it offers and witness your business thrive

When social media is not enough.

Social media provides an excellent platform to connect with your target audience and effectively showcase your products and services. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the inherent drawbacks associated with it. Dynamic algorithms often undergo frequent changes, which can render it exceedingly challenging to organically reach all of our followers. Thus, the notion of unpaid marketing is merely a myth, as organic reach has been throttled by social media platforms in preference of paid marketing, and therefore, marketing across all social media platforms entails significant expenses.

Valuable content can easily be overshadowed and lost amidst the perpetually flowing stream of posts. However, a website offers the opportunity to create a seamless brand experience, where visitors can deep dive into intricate details of your business, and it’s also where they’ll find details about your products and services before contacting you. This saves time on the phone. Your very own website is a weapon in your marketing arsenal, enabling you to flourish within the digital realm. Taking charge and establishing your exclusive online presence tailored to your specific business needs is pivotal for reaching your business goals.

Conclusion.

So, can you run a business without a website? Sure, you can try to rely on word of mouth and traditional marketing methods to expand your horizons. Whatever you choose, the decisions you make and actions you take will have an impact on your chances for success. A website not only establishes your business’s credibility but also allows you to reach a wider audience. Don’t let the idea of creating a website intimidate you. With the right tools and resources, anyone can design and manage a website for their business. So, is it right for you to take the leap and invest in a website? – I’ll let you decide.

But when you do, I’d love to help you create your powerful and highly strategic dream website, and the way I work will allow you to own it outright.
I also provide affordable business support so that you’re not left in the lurch.

Sandra Ciminelli – WordPress Freelancer Based in Canberra.

Sources: Hubspot – 5 Legitimate Reasons Your Business Doesn’t Need A Website.