The Importance of a Website
We live in an ever-increasing digital world and yet it is surprising just how many businesses don’t have a website. I struggle to understand why this is because a website helps businesses attract, engage, educate, and sell to existing and prospective customers. You would think, in this digital age, having a website for your business is a no-brainer, right?
Well, a whopping 59% of business owners in Australia don’t have a website. This is a crazy number when you take into consideration that there are 2,589,873 actively trading businesses in the Australian economy for the 2022 – 2023 financial year.
What is even crazier is that as we head into 2024 business owners obviously still don’t recognise the importance of having a business website. Your website should be at the centre point of your digital marketing efforts, and it is the beginning of your sales process.
So, let us explore; do you really need a website and what are the benefits of having a website.
Why Having a Website Is Important for Businesses
In the current business landscape, it is more important than ever for brick-and-mortar businesses to have a strong web presence. A website allows customers and clients to find out more about your company and what you have to offer. It also provides a platform for you to sell your products or services online. In addition, a website can help you build credibility and trust with potential customers.
Having a website is also a great way to connect with other businesses and helps create partnerships. You can use your business website to network and build relationships with other companies and competitors in your industry. This can lead to new opportunities for your business.
Overall, having a website is an essential part of doing business in the modern world. It gives you major advantages such as the ability to reach new and larger audiences, sell your products or services, and build credibility and trustworthiness as a legitimate company. If you don’t have a website for your business yet, now is the time to create one.
Sell More Products or Services to Your Customers
In today’s digital world, having a professional website is essential for businesses of all sizes. A website can reach more customers and increase sales of your products and services. If you’re not sure if having a website is right for your business, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want to reach more customers?
- Do you want to sell more products or services?
- Do you want to build relationships with your customers?
- Do you want to create a strong brand identity?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a website is probably right for your business. But if you answered no to any of these questions, then a website is probably not right for your business.
Build Relationships With Your Customers
A website is important for business because it’s a direct reflection of the company. It is generally the first interaction on the customer journey that the target audience has with a business.
It’s important to have a website because it’s a 24/7 marketing tool. It’s a place where customers can learn about your products and services, and it’s always open.
Having a website also allows you to track data and analyse your customer base, helping you to identify key insights about your customers.
With a website in place for your business you are connecting, getting a better understanding of, and building relationships with your target customers. All the while selling to them whilst your physical store doors are closed.
Websites Help Increase The Credibility of Your Business
A website is important for business because it provides a way to interact with customers, build credibility, and create a brand identity.
Your website allows customers and potential customers to learn about your product or service, before making a firm decision. It also helps to generate more leads by providing a way for you to communicate with them directly.
In addition, customers choose brands they know, like, and trust. A well-designed, professional website can help build your credibility as a business and position your brand identity.
People are more likely to trust a business that has an informative site with professional web design.
Showcase Your Work With Case Studies, Testimonials, & Awards
Showcasing your work builds trust and your business website is a great place to provide information and feedback on the products and services you have provided to existing clients.
Case studies are relatable stories that paint a picture of the before and after of customer experience and results which your business provided to your client. Testimonials and awards also help in providing social proof increasing trust in the products and services you provide.
Website design is an investment that will help customers establish credibility and trustworthiness, while you build your brand, and grow sales.
Customers Can Find You Online
If you have a website being found online will be much easier for customers looking for you, and your business. Additionally, having precise and relevant information online will make it easier for customers to find what they are looking for when searching for products or services you offer.
Having a website can also help improve your ranking in search engines such as Google search results, making it more likely that organic traffic will find you when they are searching for businesses like yours.
Save Customers & Your Time, Before & During Any Purchase
One of the major benefits and reasons why your business should have a website is because it is the most efficient way to reach a large number of relevant users with minimal effort.
By having a website, businesses can save customers time and hassle by providing them with access to information about their products and services even through non business hours. This helps to improve the user experience and overall customer service of your business.
A website also allows businesses to track customer behaviour and preferences, which helps them tailor their digital marketing goals, products, and services to better meet customer needs.
In short, a website is an essential tool for any business that wants to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.
How to Get Started with Creating a Website
A website is important for your business for many reasons and there are many ways to get started with creating a website. You can choose one of many “do it yourself website builders”, engage a freelance website designer to work with, or engage a web design agency. Creating a website is an important first step in growing your business. With so many options available, you can find the perfect solution for your needs.
Here Are Just a Few DIY Website Builders
We have shortlisted six DIY website builders, so there is no reason why you can’t sign up today and start building a cost-effective website for your business.
Freelance Website Designers in Perth
Here are a few handpicked freelance website designers that can help you build a website for your business, taking the pain away from you trying to build it yourself.
These freelance website designers generally will need you to provide the content, media, and your brand guidelines to get started.
Web Design Companies in Perth
If you are looking for a full-service solution for your website design, starting with sitemap and page structure, followed by content briefs and copywriting services.
Followed then of course by the design and development of your new website, then here are a few website design companies located here in Perth, Western Australia.
- Optimise Online (yes, you can choose us!)
- PWD
Keep Your Website Fresh & Updated
Here is a hot tip once you have your website up and running. It is essential to keep your website updated with fresh content to stay relevant and provide value to your website visitors and ideally provide all the information they’re seeking.
It also helps you to build authority within your industry and field, becoming a go to source of information for what you do which leads to business.
Regularly updating your site is necessary to guarantee optimal site performance. Properly maintaining your website can help to improve site security, lowering the risk of it being hacked. It also helps to increase the number of new and returning visitors to your website.
FAQs
Which Websites are Generally More Reliable?
There are many factors that make a website reliable. The most important factor is the content. The content on a website should be accurate and up to date. It should also be relevant to the products and services offered by the company.
Another important factor is the design of the website. The website should be easy to navigate and have a professional look. Things to consider are cross platform design (mobile responsive), user interface, user experience, and accessible design.
There are many different types of website software, but not all of them are created equal or reliable.
We recommend WordPress + Elementor. WordPress is the content management system (CMS) and Elementor is a drag and drop website builder.
How Important is Website Design?
Your website is often the first point of contact between you and potential new customers online, so it’s essential to make a good impression.
A well-designed website will show you’re professional and serious about your business. It will also make it easy for potential leads and existing customers to find any information they need and contact you if they have any questions.
How Important is a Website for Marketing?
Very important as maintaining a website is cost-effective when compared to other marketing methods, which makes it one of the first things you should consider when investing in your marketing.
However, a website is only one part of an effective marketing strategy. It should be used in conjunction with other marketing channels such as social media, email, and print advertising. And, most importantly, your website should be designed and updated regularly with regard to search engine optimisation, while still reflecting your brand and providing value to your visitors.
How Much Does it Cost to Create a Website in Australia?
In Australia, the cost of creating a website can vary depending on the size and complexity of the site, as well as the services provided.
Generally, a simple website can cost around $3500 to $10,000, while a more complex site may cost upwards of $20,000. However, there are many ways to save money when creating a website, such as using a DIY platform or working with a freelancer.