A lot of business owners throw up a simple website, just because they feel like they should have a web presence. But, building a website without any goal or long-term plan can actually do more damage to your business. Imagine if you were searching for a local business and came across their website that didn’t load properly, had outdated graphics, and looked unprofessional. This would probably decrease the likelihood of you working with that company, or visiting their place of business.
As a business owner today you need to have a cohesive web presence that speaks to your customers and supports your business. A business website is more than just a virtual business card, it’s a powerful tool for building authority, nurturing new leads, and much more.
Below we cover five benefits your website can bring to your business.
It Allows You To Speak To Your Customer’s First
Your website can help to pre-sell your customers before you even speak with them. Whether you have an offline or online business, you’ll find this incredibly valuable.
For instance, with your website you can address your customer’s main concerns about working with you, or even provide them about valuable information about your company that will get them excited.
Think of your website as a way to make a good first impression with your visitor. Highlight the best aspects of you business and greet your potential customers in the most value-added way possible.
It’s A Lead Generation Tool
More traffic to your website means more potential leads for your business. Even if you primarily do business in your local office space you can benefit from having a local-oriented website that informs customers about your business before they make a decision to act.
If you do business the online space, then you can use your website to collect leads and sell to them over a prolonged period of time via email marketing. Offline business can benefit from this strategy as well by building a list of local customers and incentivizing them to visit your business through coupons and other offers.
It Can Deepen Customer Relationships
Do you understand your customers on a very deep level? Most business don’t and they end up creating products or services they think their customers want, instead of catering to them directly. This can only result in frustration and wasted time.
By building a website you have a very powerful tool at your disposal, your blog. Your blog can be used to consistently provide value to your customers over time, by answering their most pressing concerns and problems.
You can even use your blog to test the receptivity of new offerings before you fully launch them. Use your blog as a way to consistently deliver value and you’ll find that your customers stick around for much longer.
It Can Help You Build Authority
Consumers have more choices than ever. How are they going to distinguish you from the competition? Today, more and more customers are leaning towards those who have taken the time to build up authority. There’s less risk overall when working with a company who’s deemed an authority.
Your website gives you a chance to build authority via email subscribers, social media followers, and provide tremendous value to your visitors before they decide to work with you. Social proof is extremely valuable and having a website allows you to build and showcase this authority.
It Gives You A Cheaper Advertising Channel
Advertising costs can really add up. Especially, when you’re using traditional advertising methods that don’t give you much in terms of tracking. By building a popular website and driving traffic to your website you’re giving yourself a means of marketing to your audience that you’re entirely in control of.
Your blog and website are essentially a free advertising source, meaning you don’t have to make a direct investment in order to see a return. Over time, your website can be a valuable way to offer new products and services to your readers.
Your website is an incredibly valuable aspect of your business, even if you’re primarily an offline business. As consumer preferences continue to shift towards the mobile web, people are going to be looking for your business before they walk through your doors. You’ll want to greet them in the most effective manner possible by having a professional website.
