Do I Need a Website for My Small Business?

Published on May 15, 2023

You never get a second chance at a first impression.

So if you’ve been wondering if you need a website for your small business, the answer is a resounding yes. Your website is a firm handshake, your elevator pitch, and your welcome mat. But more than that, it’s an opportunity to tell your story and showcase the value you offer. It’s like having a 24/7 salesperson, who never tires of passionately sharing your business ethos.

Why Every Business Needs a Website

1) It’s Your Welcome Mat, Your Last Chance at a First Impression

Your website is the digital face of your small business, and for many potential customers, their first encounter with your brand. 

Your website should convey the essence of your brand. Customers will associate the quality of your website with the quality of your products and services. If you prove to them that you walk the talk, you’ll undeniably make a lasting impression.

For example, a local hair salon should have a website that highlights their team’s skills, a portfolio of previous work, and customer reviews to entice potential clients to book an appointment. In other words, this website serves as a welcome mat, inviting visitors to explore further and engage with your business.

Related article: Why Is My Website Not Secure?

2) It’s a Lead Generation Machine

A good website is a lead generation powerhouse. By incorporating features such as contact forms, newsletter sign-ups, or appointment booking systems, you can collect valuable information about your site visitors.

A local yoga studio is a case in point. They offer a free introductory class to new subscribers of their newsletter. By capturing email addresses, they’re able to share information about upcoming workshops, special promotions, and wellness tips. This simple yet effective strategy turns casual visitors into engaged customers.

Pro tip: Implement clear calls-to-action (CTAs). Guide your visitors with explicit instructions: schedule a consultation, download a free resource, or subscribe to your mailing list, among others.

3) People Know From Your Local Area Find Out That You Exist

It’s like having a giant billboard in the heart of your town, but one that can be customized and updated at will.

A website can significantly increase your visibility among potential customers in your local area. 

Make your business more discoverable by implementing local SEO, integrating tools like Google Maps, and publishing location-specific content. Local SEO strategies, when done right, ultimately drive more foot traffic and business.

4) A Website Acts as a Digital Business Card

I’m going to go against the status quo here and say – stop printing so many business cards. 

There are times when giving your domain name is enough. In the process, you might also be saving a tree or two.

Your website is your all-in-one business card, brochure, and catalogue. It holds all the essential details about your business, such as your contact information, address, and area of expertise. So make sure all the information is up-to-date and easily accessible.

Related article: How to Build a Website in 8 Steps

5) Apart From Your Storefront, Your Website Showcases Your Products

A website allows your small business to scale by selling products or services beyond the confines of a physical storefront. 

You’ll be able to reach customers from far and wide. By integrating an e-commerce platform or online booking systems, you can offer buyers the convenience of shopping or scheduling appointments from the comfort of their own homes. 

For instance, a local boutique that sells handmade jewelry can benefit from having an online store, allowing customers to browse and purchase items 24/7 without having to visit the physical location. They can do window shopping any time of the day, from anywhere in the world.

It’s important to create a user-friendly online shopping experience. Your site must be easy to navigate, have clear product descriptions, and offer secure payment options. Invest in high-quality product photography and incorporate customer reviews to encourage purchases.

6) Share the Latest News and Your Own Thoughts

A website provides a platform for small businesses to share updates, news, and insights with their customers, helping to establish a sense of connection and credibility. By regularly publishing blog posts or news articles, you can keep customers informed about new product launches, upcoming events, and industry trends. 

Brainstorm three to four content clusters for your blog page. 

For example, a fitness studio could create high-quality blog posts on workout tips, nutritional advice, and information about upcoming classes or workshops. When you categorise articles, the user (as well as search engines) can clearly understand what your website is about.

7) Sharpen Your Competitive Edge

A professional website isn’t a luxury anymore; it’s a necessity. Customers increasingly rely on the internet to research and engage with businesses.

Your brand has to stand out in a crowded marketplace. A website that is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and rich in content demonstrates a commitment to excellence. When you highlight the unique aspects of your brand and share your story, you create an emotional connection with your customers – which is something all of us business owners should strive for.

What You Need to Do Next

By now, I hope you’re convinced that the answer to “Do I need a website for my small business?” is a resounding yes. Now, let’s lay the groundwork for your new digital frontier.

• Set clear SEO marketing goals: What do you want to achieve with your website? Your answers could revolve around lead generation, brand awareness, sales, or simply providing information to potential customers. Each goals requires a different strategy.
• Plan your content: Identify the essential pages and content for your website. This typically includes a homepage, about page, services or product pages, a blog or news section, and a contact page.
• Design and develop your website: Depending on your budget and technical skills, you can either create your website using a website builder, hire a freelance web designer, or work with a professional web development agency. Keep in mind that the price of investment often reflects the outcome.
• Optimise for search engines: For starters, implement local SEO best practices to improve your website’s search engine ranking and drive organic traffic.
• Create a content marketing strategy: Regularly publish blog posts, news articles, or other valuable content to engage your audience. Promote your content through social media platforms and email marketing newsletters to reach a wider audience.

Pro tip: Throw a digital housewarming party for your new website! Share it with your family, friends, and existing customers.

Take Your Small Business to the Next Level With Manifest Website Design

Making your business the talk of the town doesn’t always require a megaphone or a hefty advertising budget. Sometimes, all you need is a well-designed, SEO-optimized website.

That’s where Manifest Website Design comes in. As a leading SEO and website design agency, we understand that not every small business owner has a big business budget. That’s why we’ve tailored our digital marketing solutions to fit your financial capacity.

We don’t just build websites that look good; we build websites that deliver measurable results. Discover how our personalised packages can take your business to the next level today.