It has never been easier to get your small business in front of potential customers for a relatively low cost. However, many small business owners still resist. While having a website built or looking after social media profiles may seem daunting, the alternative may mean missing out on sales! Or worse yet, leaves the coast clear for your opposition to benefit from your reticence.
Customers research before buying
Customers will always want to research products and services before committing to a purchase, regardless of whether you sell online or in a brick and mortar store only. These days the majority of this research is done online, and an absence of any mention of your business online is likely to leave customers feeling uneasy. A digital presence and online reviews and testimonials help put your customer’s minds at rest. If you don’t have a website, then you are missing out on a significant number of opportunities.
Customers buy at all hours
Customers are impulsive and may feel the urge to investigate your products or services at any time of the day or night. A well-designed website that reassures them that you are a legitimate business who has what they need is likely to result in online sales. Waking up to new orders and the payments already processed is a win/win situation for both you and your customers.
Customers value convenience
With a website, customers can browse your products, testimonials, and FAQs at their own pace. Customers can book your services or purchase your products when the impulse strikes, and with less pressure than in person. They can also easily share your details with friends and family, increasing the reach of your business. Having a website is like having a customer service agent available to your clients 24/7.
Customers read website FAQ's
Even those businesses that are not looking to expand can benefit from having a website. Instead of answering phone calls, texts, and emails relating to general questions about your business, a website can provide all this information and more to your customers. Sure, some customers will still contact you directly, but they are more likely to be better informed when they do so and take up less of your valuable time.
Customers engage on social media
You may be a local business and think that you don’t need a website or feel the need for social media. Why take the risk of a newcomer or the opposition luring away your customers with their social media? Seeing online content from other businesses keeps those other businesses in customer’s minds. It makes so much more sense to keep your customers engaged with your brand and educate them about your range, and your special offers. You can also use social media to foster closer customer relationships and align your business with your local community, engendering customer loyalty.
Customers want the personal touch
For those with a larger market share in mind, a website is an excellent start. The internet has vastly leveled the playing field when it comes to business. The right website and social media can go a long way in helping you take on the business Goliaths. It has never been easier to make a global impact regardless of your location or the size of your business.
It's never too late to start!
Some businesses feel that they have left it too long to get on-board with a website and social media presence, but this is not true. Even if you are concerned about costs, taking small but practical steps like claiming your free Google My Business listing is a good start.
Curious about how a website and social media could benefit your business? Please feel free to schedule your free consultation to discuss this in more detail at a time to suit you.
