However, if you want to grow your company and take it to the next level, you’ll need to consider setting up your site. Website creation doesn’t need to be a scary or arduous task, it’s simply about capturing the essence of your business and then projecting that onto a site for customers to see.
If you’re not convinced, take a look at this blog to learn more about why businesses in 2019 need a website!
Everything Stems from Your Site
While social media, PPC, and listings are great advertising for your website, everything needs to come from your website. It’s the centre of your online advertising, and a website is the best place to have in-depth information. This can’t be displaying in snappy Facebook posts, short tweets, or Instagram pictures, but there’s plenty of space on a website.
A website is also a great place to point customers to from everything else you’re doing, including offline advertising. Having one central location keeps everything uniform, and this is something that will appeal to customers.
Feature in No-Click SERPs
The use of no-clicks SERPs has risen exponentially in the last few years, and you can crash the party by investing in a high-quality, well-written website. A no-click SERP is what you come across when you search for certain terms online. It’s generally in a box above the Google rankings, hence why you don’t have to click on anything. Recipes, definitions, and translations typically appear in this way.
An example of a No-Click SERP When You Search “Recipe for Scones”
An example of a No-Click SERP When You Search “Recipe for Scones”
By having a website, you’re able to appear in these SERPs, especially if you write in a way that matches customer search terms. Lots of customers seem to ask questions to search engines, rather than searching for key terms. This means that having an FAQs page could help you to rank in these no-click SERPs.
Start to Rank Better Online
The ranking that your business has depends on how Google rates you. With a website, you get a say in these rankings and, with the right guidance, you have every chance of rising up to conquer the first page. By using SEO-rich content, relevant keywords, and a writing style that matches search engine guidlines, you’ll be seen by more customers and classed as a credible website by Google, Bing, and others.
You’re in Control of the Narrative
On social media, lots of contributors control the story that’s being told. By commenting on your posts or sharing them with an added message, they can change the context of whatever you’re saying. However, on a website, only you can decide the message. You publish the content that you want to, how you want to, and when you want to.
Obviously, you still need to post relevant, customer-aware content, but the fact that everything is done on your terms is much better.
Clients Expect You to Be Online
Because of the internet-heavy age we operate in, customers now expect businesses to be online. As well as being a great source of information, the presence of a professional website gives credibility and authenticity to a company. No one wants to be tricked online, and your website gives confidence in your ability to deliver on what your advertising says.
Customers are also much more likely to search for something online, rather than picking up a phonebook or walking around town. People don’t want to spend time finding a store, they want you to be instantly in front of them. This is where the expectation comes in, and it’s something that you need to keep up with to attract your target demographic.
Compete with the Big Guys
While independent sports shops may not be able to compete with SportsDirect.com, Nike, or Adidas in the high street, the battlefield is changing online. With the targeted advertising, effective writing, and professional marketing, a website can help you to compete against the very best on your local high street.
There’s no limit to how far a local business can go online. A website opens up the whole world to what you’re doing, and this can only be a good thing if you’ve got ambitions of operating UK-wide or across the globe.
You’re Never Closed
If you’re a high-street store, you’ll have hours that you’re open and hours that you’re closed. Whether you work a traditional 9 ‘til 5 or a more flexible pattern, there’ll always be times that customers can’t reach you.
This is where a professional website can change things. The internet is never closed, whether it’s Christmas Day, 2:00 a.m., or August Bank Holiday, the web is open for business, and you can be too. This applies to eCommerce websites more than others, but even having an information source for customers is great. By being open, you’re much more likely to get new customers and retain the ones you already have.
Add Visibility and Authority Today!
Local businesses need as much visibility as possible, especially when you consider the rate at which companies like Amazon can deliver packages. A website is a vital part of your marketing strategy, and the importance that is has cannot be understated. We know that social media, PPC, and local listing are important, and we’re not denying that, but without a website, you’re really missing a trick.
Hopefully you’ll have learned a lot from this blog. If you’re interested in taking your business to the next level, please don’t hesititate to contact us regarding a consultation.