Do you already have a website, or are you one of those who are still sitting on the fence, doubting whether the internet has come to stay? We give you 4 reasons why we mean all companies should have a good website.
Say you’re a local plumber, electrician, accountant, or you run a cleaning company. How do your customers find you?
Having your own website comes with many benefits, but often, it’s actually a necessity. Still, research shows that many companies don’t have a digital presence these days.
4 good reasons why being visible online is crucial for your local business
1. Information
Consumers search the web for solutions to their problems. Therefore, you should have detailed text on your website about what problems your company solves and how they are solved in the best way for the customer. Information about the company, its values, and who works there is important. The customers will also check product data and prices. Even if you don’t have an online store, it can be wise to make price lists and product data available, at least for the most sold products or services.
2. Credibility
By building a professional website, you have the chance to tell the consumers why they should trust your business. Here, you can also build your reputation with feedback and reviews from happy customers. Potential customers often look for experiences from your previous customers. You can say a lot of good stuff about yourself, but more trust will always be connected with your previous customers’ experiences. You can also choose to use an independent third party, like Trustpilot, to communicate those customers’ experiences.
3. Building customer relationships
With your own website, you don’t only get to present your services, goods, and what makes you stand apart from your competitors; you can also use your website as a center where you can allow new and old customers to sign up for newsletters. Furthermore, you can have a chat service activated when you can answer; you can have a contact form that sends questions directly to your email address; and you can potentially show your social channels like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The important thing is that new and old customers can reach you and get information about your company and your services or products – on their own premises.
Another thing to keep in mind here is that having a website is almost not enough anymore, says André Mikalsen from Mikalsen Utvikling. You have to make sure people can actually find you and your website online, for example, through ads or søkemotoroptimalisering, which helps you appear in organic search.
4. Available at all times
Websites and social media are available 24/7. This means your customers can find relevant and useful information around the clock, not just during opening hours. Should there be anything they can’t find the answer to, they can send you an email through a contact form at all times.
That’s a quick look at 4 reasons why we mean all companies should have a website. As we mentioned, there are many benefits, but these days it’s actually becoming a necessity for local businesses to have an online presence. It doesn’t hurt to try.