Starting a new business is always exciting. Along with you business plan, you have the drive and determination to finally start putting your ideas into place. Whether your business is a pet store, a retail outlet or an estate agents, there’s countless things to think about and your start-up budget will be stretched every way it can to get ready for the big launch.
Which is why it’s normal to question whether or not you need to spend money on a website, or can that expense be spent elsewhere?
This is a non-negotiable option, any company that wishes to be successful needs to have a website. It’s essential to help drive publicity and awareness and gives you and your business credibility – all things required for business to have the best chance of success.
Here are 3 arguments to justify why you need to take your company digital.
It’s your product brochure
One of the main functions of a website is to provide people with all the relevant information about your business activity. If potential customers want to source your products and services, information on the company’s background, your business ethos, delivery times, returns policy and any other relevant information, they will instinctively visit your website. If your website passes the online test, they may get in contact with you or make a purchase.
It’s important that the content on your website is well written and friendly but in an informative tone. Although assembling the information is a time consuming task, you’re the only one that can do it, because no-one knows your business like you. If writing isn’t your best strength, dont worry about it. Once you have a first draft, you could hire a professional to polish it before the launch.
It makes you more trustworthy
Having a website doesn’t mean you are 100% trustworthy, but in this day and age it would be odd if you didn’t and may raise questions. The digital platform has totally taken over the business world and an online presence is completely essential for all commercial organisations. Not only may potential customers struggle to take you seriously without a website, but they may wonder if you’re business is stuck in the past.
Don’t look at your website as a static document. As well as information about products and services, you could have a blog section where you post relevant news, special offers you have coming up, tips and advice. Keeping your customers informed may keep them more interested.
Always remember there’s a big difference between what the website should deliver at the start, and where you want your business heading in 6 months time. Review and update the content on your website regularly to make sure it documents your business activity and success as the business grows.
It’s a marketing tool that boosts your awareness
Remember an important fact: a website is not your business, but a form of advertising for your business. When you’ve got your website up and running, you can take advantage of digital marketing and social media tools to promote your company online, inevitably directing more traffic to your site.
Your corporate image is based on the tone of voice you portray and the visual design of your website, it defines your brand. Everything you do online, and how you do it, gives customers an overall picture of your company and gives them the vital information they need during the decision making process when making a purchase.
It’s been 6 months since the launch and it’s time for you to take another look at your website. You could hire a website developer or SEO specialist, to review the website and analyse how well it’s working and discuss where you should next focus your digital marketing efforts.