Why a website is important for a small business to have, and how to get started
Whether you are a new or seasoned business owner, it is likely you’ve come to the point on your to-do list where you’ve been faced with the option of creating a website.
For some people (like me), this can be seen as an exciting task. After all, you’re sharing the work you’re passionate about in a way that speaks to you and your present and future clients! For others, it can be seen as daunting, time consuming, and not at the forefront of your mind, especially if you believe you’re not as finetuned on your creative side.
How to know if your business could benefit from a website
Firstly, I’m going to say that I, truthfully, believe that every business can benefit from a website, despite whether you operate in-store or online.
Brick-and-Mortar Businesses
If your business is brick-and-mortar, you may feel less inclined to create or dedicate time to an elaborate website. After all, you’re selling your products in-store, and most of your interactions with customers take place in-person.
If you are a brick-and-mortar business owner who currently does not have a website, I want you to answer the following to yourself:
In what ways am I advertising my business and what we offer?
How do the majority of my customers find out about me and my business?
Can I be offering more, such as online sales, online services, or other convenient ways for customers to interact (ex: online contact forms, feedback & reviews)?
Am I satisfied with my sales, or do I think I can benefit from more exposure?
The truth is, we can get wrapped up in the services/products we offer that we may sometimes forget to take our business-owner “hat” off. Our customers are the ones who help our business flourish, and we should be doing our best to cater to them and their needs!
From time to time, ask your customers for feedback, see what they need more of from you and your business. It’s also important to consider alternative options for your business in the ever-changing and evolving environment we’re in, especially post-COVID.
Pending weather, future pandemics (knock on wood), and other unforseeable events, how could you maintain your sales without having to worry solely on the success of your brick-and-mortar store? That’s something to keep in mind and highly consider!
Online & Remote Businesses
If you’re a business owner who operates their business exclusively online, then you already know how beneficial a website is for your sales!
While websites are crucial for your business’ success, there are still important things to keep in mind, such as:
Whether or not your website offers all the functionalities you need (ex: online store, online scheduler, contact forms)
Whether you are speaking to your ideal customer/client
Advertising your services in a way that makes sense and is easy for a customer to access and/or purchase
If you are an online or remote business owner who sells exclusively through third-party sites, such as Etsy, Amazon, eBay, RedBubble, etc. then I would highly recommend having your own website to do additional advertising. Typically, these sites take roughly 1-3% of your earnings, on top of additional fees you’d likely have to pay if you were collecting payment through PayPal, Venmo, Cashapp, Square, or Stripe.
Opening and starting your own business was an investment you made for yourself, a website is an investment, as well, and is a useful and powerful tool that helps you market and sell to clients you may not be able to reach otherwise.
What to consider before creating a website for your business
As mentioned before, it’s likely you have the information you need to create a successful website, and it’s all thanks to your customers! Obtaining feedback from them and tapping into their wants and needs is a great way to create something that is formulated just for them — after all, that’s who you’re selling to!
When creating your website, think to yourself…
If my customers/clients were to visit my website, would they know what services I provide, how I provide them, and where I provide them?
What does my ideal customer look like? Do you have a particular demographic that makes up a good portion of your sales? (ex: young college students, middle-aged women, fathers, business men…)
Would my ideal customer resonate with my website and feel like they belong?
Is my website user-friendly, with products that are easy to access?
How can I make my website stand out from other local businesses who sell similar products/services?
Turn your plan into action
Web design doesn’t have to be overwhelming!
When thinking about creating a website, many people may think about excessive coding — HTMLs, CSS — and having to spend hours upon hours of time trying to figure out a new website host. I get it! It all seems so overwhelming!
But… we don’t need to put ourselves through the stress of it all!
Most website hosts provide easy and user-friendly ways to create sites, and even provide helpful templates to get you started, and, from there, you can begin to personalize as you so choose.
Websites should stand out, just like your business! They should show your personality and tap into your customers and make them feel welcomed, just as they would if they were stepping foot into a store.
The worst thing you can do is put in little effort and come out with poor results. Ensuring that you cover all of your bases, include the necessary details, and provide a seamless experience will result in higher visit rates, happier clients, and more sales!
Where to begin?
Whether you are someone who would enjoy taking on the task yourself, or you’re someone who would rather work closely with someone to execute your vision, both options will yield the same results… a finished website!
Do-it-yourself
For those who feel passionate about creating their website themselves, great! If you are someone who is creative, or has a specific vision that you feel you are the only one who can replicate it, there are tons of ways to get started.
My favorite user-friendly website hosts include: Squarespace (duh!) and Wix, although there are tons of other ones out there, including Shopify.
Regardless of the industry you’re in, and the products/services you sell, most of these website hosts offer integrations that allow you to include schedulers, forms, and online stores where customers can visit.
Enlist the help of a website designer
There’s no shame in seeking the help of a professional website designer! Let’s face it, being a business owner is a busy and hectic feat in and of itself, help is always a plus!
Finding help has never been easier! I’m Madison, and I offer online web design services for small business owners both locally — in the Baltimore, MD area — as well as nationally. I pride myself on creating unique websites that fit each client’s personality, allowing their personality to shine through.
I believe that a personable, yet professional, website is a great way to reel in clients and make them stick around to learn more about your services and all you offer!
Still weighing your options? Know that I offer free 15-minute phone consultations to help you figure out whether or not I may be the right fit for you and your business!
