The days of flipping through the phone book to find business information are long gone. Now, 70 percent of U.S. households are using the Internet to shop locally for products and services.

As consumers increasingly move to online search, is your business making the necessary changes to stay in front of your target audience? If you don’t have a website (or if you have an outdated website), you are losing potential customers. Here are the top 5 reasons why your business needs a good website:

1. CREDIBILITY

First and foremost, a good website shows customers that your business is legitimate. It gives you a platform to explain the value that your products or services bring to customers.

When consumers click through to a website that is clean, easy to navigate and offers helpful information, they are much more likely to give you their business. Alternatively, bad websites are a turn-off. Think clunky navigation, outdated colors, and gobs of text. If that describes your current website, you can bet users will take one look and think ‘no thanks – next!.’

You can also enhance your credibility through reviews on your website. Highlight happy customers to show that your business consistently produces positive outcomes.

2. SHOW UP IN LOCAL SEARCH RESULTS

Once you have a website, it’s easy to optimize the site to show up for location-based searches. With 94% of smartphone users searching for location info, and 51% of mobile local searches resulting in a store visit, this is an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up.

Some simple SEO and digital marketing can help your business rank higher in local search results – driving more and more traffic to your website.

3. ACCESSIBLE 24/7

With a website, you won’t be closed for business ever again. Websites are a convenient way to keep your business information readily available. Having a website means that you will always be there for your customers!

4. SHOWCASE YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

A website is the perfect platform for you to take pride in your business and showcase what you do best. The options here are endless: quality product photography, client success stories, stellar copywriting, and even video can go above and beyond to show customers exactly why they need what you offer.

The goal here is to excite website visitors about what sets your business ahead of competitors.

5. COST EFFECTIVE

Many businesses don’t have a website because they assume that they are expensive. However, typically a website is more affordable than traditional advertising.

Consider what you would need on your website. If you need a relatively simple site that’s clean to view and easy to navigate, you may be surprised how cost-effective an ideal solution might be. If you are looking at custom features, extensive e-commerce options, or a large volume of content, expect to make a larger investment. Either way, you can be sure that your new website will benefit your business and set you up for success.

What’s your reason for holding off on a website build or re-design? We’re here to answer your questions and provide the best solution to move your business forward. Contact us today!