There’s plenty of online advice on what growing businesses should and shouldn’t do. Honestly, some of this is conflicting, especially regarding websites. Some say that websites are a thing of the past and are all about using apps or social media.
But is this true? No, it’s terrible advice. You can use apps and social media to complement your website, but choosing one over the other just screams “disaster.”
Despite the ever-evolving digital landscape, having a website remains a cornerstone for success in the business world. Chances are, businesses will need websites as long as the internet exists. So that means you’ll still need to focus on SEO, having a good website, or figuring out which platform is best. It’s how customers really get to know about your brand, and social media or an app just can’t do that.
But why is it so vital? Well, here’s what you need to know about business website benefits in 2024.
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You Need to Have an Established Online Presence
While technically, having a social media page and even your own app does serve as an online presence, this isn’t going to be enough. What if there are people who don’t use social media? In fact, the numbers are growing. Many people hate having to download unneeded apps as well, so that’s also something you need to consider. Without a website, your visibility and credibility in the online sphere are severely limited. So, just by simply having a website, you not only establish an online presence but also control the narrative surrounding your brand.
Reach a Global Audience
Again, you’re not guaranteed to reach a global audience through an app or social media; social media usually tries to target the locality rather than the other side of the world. When it comes to SEO, there are no barriers. While yes, sure, it’s true that the internet has transformed the way businesses operate, breaking down geographical barriers and enabling access to a global audience.
It doesn’t outright mean that someone from the US can easily grab an audience’s attention in Australia- so that’s why websites are better for said job. With a well-designed website, your business can reach potential customers across the globe, transcending physical limitations. Whether you’re a local bakery or a tech startup, a website opens doors to new markets and opportunities for expansion.
24/7 Accessibility
Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar stores with fixed operating hours, a website is accessible 24/7, allowing customers to engage with your business conveniently. But that’s not all either; it’s true that sometimes you need staff on hand in case something goes wrong with your website (something those only using social media don’t need to think about).
But with that said, with almost 60,000 free WordPress plugins, you can count on one of these running in the background to keep your website safe and nicely maintained and recover it in case anything were to happen. In general, your website is accessible every day, including every holiday.
But depending on the platform, it’s less stressful, thanks to these being self-maintained. Essentially, it’s a lot less stress, which makes it worth it. This, in turn, enhances customer satisfaction but also boosts sales and leads.
It’s Easier for Building Trust
Creating a social media account is free, so it doesn’t take much to scam others; App stores don’t protect buyers either in case they’ve gotten scammed. Very rarely will a scammer spend the time and effort of paying for hosting and building a website. All of this takes a lot of time, money, and effort. Scammers usually want to get rich quickly and flee, and that is that.
So, having a professionally designed website instills confidence in potential customers, signalling that your business is legitimate and trustworthy—that you’re not a scammer but the real deal. However, you need to remember that in today’s digital landscape, consumers are wary of businesses that lack an online presence or have outdated websites.
So, just by investing in a modern and user-friendly website, you demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and customer satisfaction, building credibility and trust. Seriously, that’s all you need to do to help ensure that your business is indeed legitimate.
There’s a Competitive Advantage
Remember how it was stated earlier that many business owners question whether they need a website? Well, that’s the thing: more businesses are skipping out on getting one, thinking it’s unnecessary. So, you already have a competitive advantage just by having your own website.
Business Website Benefits in 2024
There are more business website benefits in 2024 than ever before. If you’re not promoting your goods or services with a well-made, safe, SEO-optimised website, it makes it harder for your customers to find or trust you.
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