5 Reasons Your Business Needs a Website (even though you’re on social media!)
There is no doubt that in today’s world, social media is a super important part of business. It allows business owners to connect with customers and clients in a very personal way and helps to humanize aspects of our work that we wouldn’t be able to if these platforms didn’t exist.
So maybe you’ve got an Instagram profile or Facebook page for your business and you’re KILLING IT in terms of engagement and followers, and you’re asking yourself “do I even need a website since I’m already running a successful business without one?”
The answer, my friend, is ABSOLUTELY! Because, the thing is, though social media is a very powerful tool, and one that can add great value to your business, it doesn’t replace the value of a website...and having both WILL give you results far beyond those of just a social media profile.
So, here are five reasons why your business needs a website:
01. Consumers want you to have one
As simple as it sounds, this just might be the most important reason. Your customers WANT you to have a website. The research has shown that 30% of consumers won’t even consider a business without a website AND 75% of consumers admit to making judgments on a company’s credibility based on the company’s website design. People are watching, and they will make judgments about the quality of your business based off of your website (or lack thereof!).
02. A website establishes your business’s credibility
Anyone can have a social media account. Any Joe Blow or Susie Snowflake can post on Instagram with a pretty picture and try to sell a product or offer a service. Having a website makes you stand out as a professional. It makes your business look legitimate, which in a world inundated with scam artists, is SUPER important. To take it a step further, once you’re established as credible and professional, you can then start charging more for the services you’re offering!
03. People are searching for you online
If someone is searching for a product or service you offer, there's a 99% chance they’re searching for you online through search engines like Google. When you have a website you can optimize it for these search engines (Search Engine Optimization or SEO) so that when people search for certain keywords, your site comes up on the results page. For example, if I was searching for eyelash extensions in Anchorage, and I typed “Anchorage eyelash extensions”, your website might (and should!) come up...but your Instagram? Nope! Search engines can’t mine social media platforms in the same way. And so if you’re simply relying on social media to get found, you’re outa luck my friend!
04. You own the space
When you have a website, and you’re engaging with potential customers through your website (such as through newsletter sign-ups, blog subscriptions, etc), you own those followers and you have control over who sees what and when. You know who owns your Instagram and Facebook followers and who controls who sees what and when on those platforms? Mark Zuckerberg! Constant changes in algorithms and platform updates mean that these are not reliable methods of reaching your audience in a consistent way. They’re great tools to, say, get your audience to go to your website and engage them further from there!
05. A website helps people understand what you do
Websites allow you to give detailed overviews about who you serve and HOW you serve them. The ability to have multiple pages and topics, like a Services Page or About Us page, let you share plenty of information for people to read through when they want to know more about you and what you do. If you’re relying simply on social media to do this, you’re asking people to scroll through countless posts to maybe find the information they’re looking for. A website is just an easier way to give your customers what they’re looking for!
So there you have it, friend! Now, if you’re thinking “where do I start with a website?!” and you’re curious about how I can help, head on over to my Services page to check out my offerings, then give me a shout and let’s get your business a website you can be proud to share with the world!