Do you really need a business website?

Yes, and here's how we can help you

05/04/2024

Having a business website today is non-negotiable. Because here’s the thing:

You have an exceptional product or service. Word of mouth keeps bringing in customers. You’re satisfied. But there’s this little voice in your head telling you there’s “more” you could do to grow your brand.

That “more” you could do depends on your industry, the size of your business, and the nature of your products/services. However, you need to have a business website first.

Not convinced? Here are some interesting facts and figures to support our argument:

56% of consumers say they don’t trust a business without a website (Weebly)
Over 80% of consumers perform online research before purchasing (Oberlo)
93% of business purchase decisions start with a search engine search (Marketo)
In 2023, 71% of businesses had a website (TopDesignFirms)
More than 28% of businesses conduct their activities online (IBISWorld)

So, are you still deciding whether to invest in a business website? In this article, we’ll explore why you need one and how we can help.

Let’s get started.

The lesser-known truth about business websites

Owning is always better than renting. And that applies to your online presence too.

If you’ve ever leased a property, you know the limitations that come with rented spaces. This is the same when it comes to your online presence. It’s best to invest in owned (and not rented) platforms.

Rented digital platforms are those where you don’t own the content (such as social media platforms). Places like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and even Amazon storefronts all have their own rules and restrictions.

The updates are beyond your control. Abrupt changes can make your business struggle overnight. And in some cases, accounts can even be shut down without prior notice.

Ultimately, you are at the mercy of the platform owner’s business decisions.

And that’s where the beauty of an owned platform (your business website) comes in. You own it. You’re in full control. You dictate the terms. You don’t leave your digital fate to chance or in the hands of others but take ownership of your online presence. You have the freedom and autonomy to create, alter, and update your content and design as you see fit.

5 benefits of having a business website

When a prospective customer comes across your business on a social media platform or a reviews website, they’re looking for information. They may even be ready to buy.

Without a website, prospects must rely on third-party information about you. But with a business website, you can guide them through your story, products, and services. You control the narrative. You can start the conversation.

With a business website, you can also reach a broader audience. You are no longer constrained by geographical boundaries. In fact, your brand has the potential to break through and make a global impact.

Want more? Here are five additional benefits of having a business website:

1. Enhance your visibility

A well-optimised business website ensures that potential customers searching for products or services like yours can easily discover your brand. By appearing in search engine results and online directories, your website enhances your brand’s visibility and increases the likelihood of attracting qualified leads.

2. Establish credibility

Today’s customers are increasingly online savvy. They prefer businesses with an online presence that they can check out anytime, anywhere. Having a website also makes your business legitimate and conveys professionalism and authenticity. It instils confidence in potential customers and sets the stage for a trust-based relationship.

3. Generate leads

A business website is a powerful lead generation tool. It attracts potential customers and captures their interest through strategic calls-to-action and contact forms. By providing valuable content and solutions tailored to your visitors’ needs, your website can capture their interest, nurture them, and ultimately convert them into customers.

4. Promote engagement

The vast opportunities for customer engagement are too significant to ignore. A business website provides opportunities to connect with your audience and build relationships, whether through blog posts, downloadable resources, chat support, or personalised user experiences,

5. Increase profitability

A functioning website acts as a 24/7 salesperson, actively showcasing your products or services and, in many cases, even making sales while you sleep. And for small businesses, in particular, a website could be a cost-effective way to even the odds against larger competitors.

The ROI of a business website

Your business website is an important asset that provides a positive return on investment (ROI). Though setting up a website may require a significant upfront investment (yes, sometimes even a hefty one), the long-term financial benefits outweigh the costs.

Rather than considering it as an expense, think of it as an investment. Your website works round the clock, promoting and working for your business all day, every day. It doesn’t matter if it’s 2024 or 2034; your website offers lasting value and contributes to your ROI for as long as your business exists.

Moreover, having a website increases your competitive advantage. Today, almost every business—no matter the industry—has a digital presence. That’s what customers expect. So naturally, that’s what you should be investing in.

Start building your business website today

If you’ve decided to build your business website, congratulations! You’ve taken the first step to establishing a powerful online presence.

The next steps don’t have to be challenging because, at ONO Comms, we can take care of everything for you. Here’s what we can do to help:

Content Audit: We’ll conduct a thorough audit of your existing content (company profile, brochures, social media posts, etc.) to understand your brand ethos and writing style. We’ll also let you know what’s working and what needs to be improved.
Competitive Analysis: Our team will analyse your competitors’ websites to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling points. This insight will help us tailor your website strategy to stand out in the market.
Content Strategy: We’ll develop a comprehensive content strategy that meets your business goals and target audience. This strategy will outline the types of content to create, the channels to distribute it, and the tactics to maximise its impact on your website’s success.
Keyword Research: We’ll perform in-depth keyword research to identify your business’s most relevant and valuable keywords. This will help optimise your website for search engines and attract qualified traffic to your site.
Website sitemap: We’ll create a clear and organised sitemap that outlines the structure and hierarchy of your website. This roadmap will guide visitors through your site and improve navigation.
Content Creation: Our team of experienced writers will craft compelling and engaging content for your website, including website copy, blog posts, and other marketing material. We’ll also make sure your content is informative, persuasive, and optimised for search engines.
Content Measurement: We’ll advise you on the metrics you need to measure to track the performance and effectiveness of your new business website. This data-driven approach will allow you to continually refine and optimise your content.
Design/Development Advice: Finally, we’ll recommend the best designers and developers whose skills and expertise align with your project requirements.