The internet has evolved from a simple information network, to become the world’s largest repository of data, learning, and communication tools. This has opened a pathway for digital marketing, creating strong opportunities for businesses to grow their brands, engage with customers, and promote products and services.
Despite the potential of digital marketing being well understood, there’s still a staggering number of small businesses that are yet to build their online presence. In fact, even in the United States, the world’s most highly developed market, up to 46% of small businesses lack a website.
There are now more than 4.5 billion internet users around the globe. Up to 80% of those users will research brands, products, and services online before making a purchasing decision.
If your business doesn’t have a website, you’re literally ignoring the majority of your potential market. Find out why a small business website helps, and start to develop your digital marketing strategy with the help of HostRound.
The Internet is the Phone Book of the Modern Era
Before the internet’s explosion in popularity, people would stick with the local businesses they knew, discover brands on television and in print media, or look for companies in the local phone book.
Today, the majority of small business discovery occurs online. By building an informative branded website, you can market your company for specific demographics using search engine optimization, paid advertising, blogging, and other effective techniques.
Your business might be the best in its niche, but if you don’t have a way for customers to find you, it will be impossible to grow.
A Website Adds Credibility to Your Business
With most consumers now researching brands online before they spend money, not having a website can seriously hinder your bottom line. Your online presence can help to build credibility and trust with your audience. Even if you have a brick and mortar storefront, your website will be a valuable tool for the prospects and leads who haven’t quite reached the point of conversion.
With your own website, you will have complete control of your brand message. You will be able to tell a story about what your small business does, and who its products and services are aimed at. Many small businesses see significant growth in the first year after successfully launching their first website.
You’ll Create a Valuable Marketing Channel
Some business owners believe that they can market primarily on social media and reach their desired audience. Unfortunately, this is simply not true. Search engines still dominate when it comes to brand discovery. More than 53% of web traffic is generated by search engine optimization, with just 5% coming from organic social media discovery.
Sure, your Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts can be used to help build and connect with an audience, but without a website, you’ll miss the perfect opportunity to create a uniquely branded experience that drives sales.
You Can Collect Data and Generate Leads
Hosting and developing a small business website is more than just sharing information. You can also collect insights from users to help develop and grow your business.
- Signing page visitors up to an email list could give you the opportunity to deliver regular targeted marketing.
- Comment sections on blog posts can help you to understand what customers are thinking, what drives their needs, and the factors that lead to sales or missed opportunities.
- Even simple statistics like page views can help you to gauge the popularity of specific products and services.
The data you collect from your website traffic will be instrumental in shaping your brand and future marketing efforts.
More Consumers are Shopping Online
The number of consumers who research or buy products online is growing. In the second half of 2019, 83% of U.S. consumers purchased at least one product on Amazon. In other markets, the engagement rate is similar, with local eCommerce platforms performing exceptionally well.
The reality is that brick and mortar business is declining, while eCommerce revenues are booming.
Your small business website can be more than just static pages. You can integrate a fully functional storefront and take advantage of people’s preference for buying products from the convenience of their computers and smartphones.
Give Your Business the Best Growth Opportunities with HostRound
Even with no development experience, you can build a fast and responsive website with HostRound.
Our premium web hosting services include a free website builder, 1-click application install for eCommerce plugins and more, 99.99% uptime, and free SSL certificates for a website that builds trust with security-conscious consumers.
In 2020, the small business website has only become more essential. Make sure you have the best opportunities by taking your business online today.