You would have thought the simple answer to that was yes, but it would seem as though some business owners still need convincing.
According to the Office of National Statistics, 21% of small firms still don’t have websites, which is astonishing.
They are mainly plumbers, florists, small retailers, decorators etc., who rely on word of mouth. That’s all well and good, but what happens when business slows (as it does from time to time), how will they find new clients to make ends meet?
If you’re one of the 21% it may also be worth noting that research conducted by O2 showed that a quarter of the 2000 people they polled said they wouldn’t use a small business if they didn’t have a website. Although you may not see the need for a web presence it would appear as though your potential customers do.
What is stopping from you having a website?
The most popular response to that is more than likely money.
Running a small business, margins are tight and you may not feel as though you have the funds to invest in a website. But website’s don’t have to cost the earth and there will be a solution out there that fits your budget.
If you think that because you only work in the local area there’s no need to be on the web, what about local search? More and more people are turning to Google to find local service providers rather than the Yellow Pages, so if you’re not online you’re not going to be found.
Perhaps you can only deal with a small number of clients at a time. So what happens if a few regulars move or no longer need your services? How will you find new clients?
You must have a website because…
A website is not a ‘nice to have’ any more; today it is a necessity because:
- No one uses Yellow Pages
- Word of mouth has moved online
- A website can sell for you 24/7
- Client testimonials on your website will help you win more business
- Your competitors are already online
- If you can’t be found online, potential clients will go elsewhere
- A business without a website is often viewed as being unprofessional
If you’re serious about growing or even maintaining your business it’s important you get a website now. If you don’t you run the risk of being left behind.