“I actually don't feel that a website is necessary these days.”
This was the response a woman service provider gave on a recent post I did in Facebook group asking for market research.
Hmmm.
I’m going to be super blunt with you.
First off, this was a statement from someone who doesn’t have a website. So she couldn’t possibly know the benefits it could have for her business.
Second, I think when we make business decisions based on our feelings or assumptions, we are getting into a danger zone.
Here is the actual data on the value of websites:
84% of consumers believe that having a website makes a business more credible than companies that only have a social media presence, according to a survey by Verisign.
81 percent of shoppers conduct online research before making a purchase, According to HubSpot’s 2022 state of marketing.
Google's research indicates that 97% of consumers search online for local businesses, products, or services, emphasizing the importance of having a website to be discovered by potential clients.
Small businesses with an online presence grow 40% faster than those without, according to the Boston Consulting Group.
75% of users judge a company's credibility based on its website design, according to Stanford University.
There is so much more research out there to support the value of a website, but I won’t bore you.
The point is, it doesn't matter what the person who made the comment feels. The fact is, if you don’t have a strategic, well designed site, you are leaving not only money, but your credibility, on the table.
I talked in more detail about why websites are still a relevant tool for businesses even today here.
People searching for your service are move likely to buy
I don’t know about you, but if I have a way to grow my business 40 percent faster(!!!!) you better believe I’m going to use it.
I can personally tell you that I have booked several clients in the past few months who found my website on Google and booked a call. Those are clients who would have gone somewhere else had I not been there when they were looking.
I wouldn’t have known about them.
Not only that, those people who are searching on Google have much higher intention to buy than people who find me on social media. That’s because the pain point they have is pressing and active enough for them to take to Google to look for a solution.
When they find that solution, they get their credit card out and book.
I wonder, how many potential clients are you missing if your name doesn’t pop up when people are actively looking for you as the solution to their problem?
How many people could you have helped?
The thing is, if you don’t have a website, you don’t know the answer to this question.
Don't base your business strategy on your whims
There are all kinds of people who will tell you this or that strategy is dead because that’s what their feelings or perceptions tell them.
Don’t make business decisions on your whims. Make sure you do the research to find out what the truth is.
And the truth is, a website - one that is designed well and strategic - is a huge asset to the business that will make you money.
What do you think? How important are websites today?
If you are ready to delve into the website process, let's talk. You can book a call here.