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Why Websites Are Still Relevant in 2024: 14 Reasons Why & 4 Reasons Why Not
For a business to promote itself online, regardless of its industry, has a tremendous impact on its success. Especially in this digital age where everything and everyone is online, selling, buying, advertising, and so much more! Even if you feel that owning a website for your business seems irrelevant, you should know that thousands of people check for reviews and authenticity through your website before purchasing.
Through the power of owning a website, you gain a strong online presence. You ultimately gain more revenue and a list of other benefits. With a well-designed website, your brand gains a direct positive impact, and in this comprehensive read, you will learn how and why!
If you already own a website and feel that it is not doing it for you, it lacks relevance and value. Or let’s say that you wish to get a website made but don’t know how to. You can always hire professional web designers to do the job for you!
Most definitely, you would understand the need to have a web presence, but knowing the benefits of effective websites is going to help you gain better insight. And what’s better is that you will know what you are looking for in your website once you decide on making one.
So, let us dive right into the reasons why every business should own a website and why some may not.
Why Does My Business Need A Website?
Most startup brands tend to think that owning a Facebook page or official Instagram page for their business is “enough.” We are here to tell you that it actually isn’t! We won’t deny that this tactic works, but owning a copyrighted official website representing your brand does so much more than people just viewing and buying off your site. It represents trust and indicates its importance and worth since websites require maintenance and consistency, unlike a social media page. Websites also hold security, definitely unlike a social media page!
So our straightforward answer is yes, you do and should own a website if you are someone who owns a brand or business, regardless of your industry. From fitness website development to providing online support, even if you have a small workforce, websites are necessary. Having a website unlocks new opportunities for your business, helping you reach more customers and stay ahead of competitors.
Also, after the devastating COVID-19 Pandemic, there has been a massive rise in brands and businesses promoting themselves online and owning a website. According to online stats, internet usage, and global internet traffic surged by 40% during the pandemic’s peak.
Several businesses, whether start-ups or well-established, noted that there was a substantial shift online with an increase in websites during those years. Those brands that don’t own a website most definitely lack in a lot of ways. For example, several supermarket stores were made available online through mobile application presence or by owning an official website to make it easier for their customers to reach out to them and make purchases. Just imagine if that had not happened; it would have been chaotic!
Read more: Learn About Responsive Design And How It Works
14 Reasons Why You Should Own A Website
1. Reach a wider audience and increase brand awareness
A website enables businesses to overcome geographical barriers and reach out to potential customers worldwide, allowing them to expand their reach and introduce their brand to a larger audience. Just imagine your brand is out there, ready to be discovered by millions of people! (unless you make some restrictions to your website, which is also a possibility). Additionally, everyone uses the internet to access and learn more about the product you are selling. And without a website, your business is virtually invisible to over 4.5 billion active internet users worldwide. Considering this, a website is definitely an investment for your brand growth and increased customers.
For example, you have a Facebook page promoting your brand, etc. People can write reviews for the products you sell, you can also chat with your customers online, and you can even promote your brand further with pictures, clips, comments, shares, and likes. Seems like it should be enough, right? Wrong!
We are not saying that it is impossible or completely wrong, but at the end of the day, you cannot “own” a Facebook page. The same goes for other social media platforms from where you can buy and sell your services. On October 4, 2021, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, Mapillary, and Meta went through a global outage that lasted for 7 hours and 11 minutes. The result: significant disruption to billions of users worldwide.
We think you get our point now about why a website is a better option. ^_^
Learn more about how much a website costs in 2024 to get you started on your web development journey!
2. Credibility and Professionalism
Boost trust and stand out from the crowd! That’s the power of a business website. In today’s digital world, a professional website serves as the cornerstone of your credibility. With countless competitors offering similar services, a well-designed website that clearly conveys valuable information instantly elevates your brand. Remember, absence does speak volumes, and lacking a website can raise doubts about your legitimacy.
Consider it your digital handshake: a chance to make a fantastic first impression and assure potential customers you’re a respected and reliable business. Creating a business website comes at a cost, but it reflects professionalism and credibility.
But don’t let cost get in your way when you are working with WebsVent! View the affordable packages, and you will see why!
3. Website Leads
Imagine someone searching for what you offer, landing on your website, and instantly becoming a potential customer! That’s the power of having a website. It draws in interested individuals, showcases your value, and provides easy ways for them to connect. Remember, even though there’s a cost, a website strategically attracts leads, converts them into customers, and grows your business – making it a sound investment.
4. Organic Traffic
After you establish an online presence with a website optimized for search engines, your chances of appearing in Google search results rise. This implies that when your potential customers search for a product or service, your website has the possibility of showing up in the search results. This is an excellent opportunity for you to expand your customer base significantly.
5. Easier to Manage and Update
Managing and updating a website has become a breeze compared to the past! Imagine skipping the hassle of physical printing and distribution – your website updates instantly and is accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Content management systems (CMS) act as your central command, allowing you to edit text, images, and videos with a user-friendly interface, with no coding required.
Forget about clunky file transfers – simply upload new content directly onto your website. Scheduling features let you plan updates in advance, ensuring timely releases without last-minute scrambles. With a few clicks, you can track website traffic and user behavior, gaining valuable insights to improve your content and engagement. So, ditch the stress and embrace the ease of website management – it’s your digital playground, ready to be updated and evolve with you!
6. Digital Marketing
We will make this part a little more story-like so you can actually envision all of this in your creative mind!
Imagine your website as a hidden gem in a vast digital landscape. While it holds potential, without a map (digital marketing), few will discover its treasures. Here’s where the magic happens: digital marketing amplifies your website’s reach, attracting customers like a lighthouse guiding ships home. It paints a vibrant picture of your brand, ignites interest with targeted messages, and effortlessly connects you with your audience, nurturing them into loyal customers. It’s like having a tireless team working 24/7, bringing the world to your doorstep and turning curious visitors into raving fans. So, why wait? Unlock the full potential of your website with the power of digital marketing and watch your business blossom!
Are you still unsure about how to achieve this? Don’t fret. Contact WebsVent and get the best from your website journey!
7. Easier Customer Service
Let’s say that you don’t own a website, but you own a crochet business where you sell custom crochet clothing items. Additionally, you only own a Facebook page, and your customers contact you through direct messages, or they could call you or even visit your shop. Coming to the point, will your customers have to view each and every picture through your Facebook albums? Or they will have to wait for a reply, travel to your shop all the way, or let’s say they are unable to trust the reliability of the shop, so they ask for reviews.
With a website, everything is open and in front of the customer. They can even access a query page or easily view all the crochet items you sell with the menu bar, which is divided into categories, like dresses, tops, and skirts.
A website is much more organized, and gaining customer services through a website is much faster and easier. Yes, there are options for calling, but some people prefer messaging. A website can have a query box or FAQ section, which is most likely to answer many of the questions your customers would have in mind!
8. Complete Control Over Your Website
Owning a website is like having your own digital estate – you control the look, feel, and content, unlike on social media platforms. Showcase user reviews, videos, images, and anything else that reflects your unique voice. Plus, say goodbye to ever-changing social media rules! Whether it’s a minor tweak or a complete overhaul, your website is yours to adapt and evolve as you see fit. Don’t restrict yourself to the typical layout social media platforms deliver. Add some creativity and a targeted aesthetic, making your clients come back for more! Not only will they have a fun time going through your website and be wowed, but they also will end up being loyal!
9. Be On Top of the Competition!
Even as a small business, your website can be your secret weapon against larger competitors. Through strategic optimization, you can climb search engine rankings, land on the first page, and attract high-quality leads organically. Imagine bypassing ad costs and getting noticed by potential customers actively searching for solutions you offer!
Read more: 10 Principles Of Good Web Design. This will give you more insight into excellent websites!
10. Websites Let You Sell Online
While social media excels at brand awareness and engagement, websites reign supreme as e-commerce powerhouses. Imagine a virtual storefront open 24/7, accessible to anyone with an internet connection. That’s the magic of a website! Unlike social media’s fleeting posts, websites offer dedicated spaces to showcase your products with detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and even interactive features.
You control the narrative, guiding customers through a seamless buying journey with customizable checkout options and secure payment gateways. Want to offer exclusive deals or personalized recommendations? Websites allow you to create targeted campaigns and nurture customer relationships beyond just likes and comments. Plus, with SEO optimization, your website becomes a magnet for organic traffic, attracting new customers who are actively searching for what you offer. So, while social media sparks interest, websites convert that spark into a roaring fire of sales!
11. Creating Websites Isn’t as Expensive as You Think!
However, it is known that if people opt for a freelance web developer instead of a professional website design agency, they are likely to spend much more, and there could be some complications.
Compared to traditional methods, websites offer a surprisingly low-maintenance and cost-effective solution for businesses. Imagine managing brochures instead of updating a single online source – websites eliminate physical printing, distribution, and storage expenses. Updates happen instantly, reaching everyone simultaneously, saving time and resources. 24/7 accessibility removes the need for physical store or call center hours, reducing operational costs.
Website analytics provide valuable insights without needing surveys or focus groups, saving research expenses. Marketing efforts become centralized and trackable, maximizing their impact with less legwork. Whether it’s displaying menus, booking appointments, or processing payments, websites handle numerous tasks automatically, minimizing the need for additional staff or software. From eliminating physical materials to streamlining processes, websites offer a powerful combination of affordability and effortless upkeep, allowing businesses to thrive in the digital age.
12. Gather valuable data and insights
Website analytics tools allow you to track visitor behavior, understand demographics, and analyze user engagement. This valuable data helps you refine your marketing strategies, improve your website, and better understand your customer base.
Additionally, tracking information on your website is much easier than tracking on social media platforms. You can access certain apps, such as GA4 (Google Analytics 4), to gain insights into your website.
If you want to learn more about Google Analytics and how much it costs, click here!
13. Mobile-Friendly Reach
Doesn’t it sound interesting that your entire website can be viewed on a smaller device? That’s called a responsive website!
If you don’t own a responsive website, you are missing out big time! With people using their mobile phones to access several websites and other applications, it is essential for you to make sure that your website is accessible via phone and other devices. You will most certainly reach a wider mobile audience.
14. Brand Building and Storytelling
It’s crucial to leverage your website to communicate your brand story and values and connect with your audience on a deeper level. Doing so helps you establish a strong brand identity and create a lasting impression.
Showcasing your brand to your potential customers is vital in increasing the chances of them choosing to do business with you. By clearly communicating who you are, what you represent, and what you stand for, you set yourself apart from your competitors.
Not having a website can make it challenging to achieve this goal since people cannot easily find quality and reliable information on your business. Therefore, having a website is a valuable tool that helps you build trust and credibility and establish your brand in the marketplace.
4 Reasons Why You Don’t Need A Website
1. You Are a Temporary or Pop-Up Business
For brief business activities such as pop-up shops or time-limited events, creating a website may not be a profitable investment due to the temporary nature of your operation. Nevertheless, depending on the size and scope of your event, even a simple landing page can be useful for advertising and sharing relevant information.
2. You Are a Hobby Business
If you run a business that is more like a personal hobby and you do not have any intention of achieving significant growth or financial gain, you may not need a website. However, even for hobby-based businesses, a website can serve as a creative outlet, a portfolio showcase, or a community hub, depending on your goals.
3. Ultra-Local, Cash-Only Business
If your business only operates within a small community, relies on cash transactions, and has an established customer base through word-of-mouth, having a website may not be essential.
4. Private or Exclusive Services
Businesses catering to an exclusive clientele may not prioritize a public website. However, an internal website or digital portal for communicating with existing clients could be valuable.
Have You Decided Why You Need A Website?
Although the decision is still entirely on what you want, we always aim to suggest the best to our readers! Sometimes, owning a website isn’t a choice but a priority for the sake of your business and your customers. If you are a bit weary of finding professional website designers, you can always contact WebsVent for the best and most affordable custom website designs for your online brand!