Why Small Businesses Need A Website in 2021
As a small business owner, you may have this question in mind. “Why should I get a business website when I have an Instagram page?”
Some SMEs in Africa have attained commendable success with their social media pages alone, and most of them get comfortable with not having a website. The truth is, there is no better time to have a website than now!
According to research in 2017, 97% of consumers searched online to find a local business close to them. This means that small businesses must be in front of the right audience, which increases the need for SMEs in Africa to have a website.
In today’s digital world, it has become increasingly necessary to build lasting connections with your customers, clients and business associates, and a website is an excellent way to do this.
Not convinced yet? Read this article to the end to find out why your business needs a website in 2021.
1. A website offers you credibility
In an era where most mobile users surf the internet in for information, it will hurt your business not to have a website.
Consumers will often perceive your business as credible when you have a website than when you just have a social media page. A website is a perfect place to showcase your awards and professional certifications and give prospective customers a reason to trust you.
2. A website can attract new customers
Every business needs a customer base, and to increase your customer base, you must have a steady stream of new customers. Having a website makes you visible and can help new customers find your business.
Having a well-optimized website will help your business rank on google and attract new customers at a steady rate to have continued success.
3. A website can showcase your products and services
A website can showcase your product or service for 24 hours of the day, 365 days of the year! You can show your prospective customers what you can offer them if they choose to do business with you. You can display quality photography, content and other valuable offers on your website and the best part? It stays there permanently! For example, in the SME360 community, it’s website is a platform for SMEs in Africa to get lots of valuable content and guides that will help them start their business and inform their business decisions!
4. A website can establish social proof
A website is a great platform to showcase customer reviews and testimonials. Displaying customer reviews permanently on your website increases prospective buyers’ decisions and establishes social proof. Not only is this an advantage, but it also creates a permanent archive. You can also showcase social media activities, directing prospective customers straight to your social media page.
5. A website can be integrated with Google maps to help people locate you
A website allows you to embed maps into your content. This way, people can quickly+ locate your business without searching too hard. This is a great strategy, especially if you have a physical store like a restaurant or an event centre.
6. A website ensures continued success
In 2021, more and more people and businesses are establishing themselves online. As the digital space continues to expand, this will keep increasing. Having a website makes you visible and within reach for the billions of people online. No matter how successful your business is, to stay competitive in the digital world as an SME in Africa, you need to have a website.
7. A website can help you stand out
The best part of having a website is that you can stand out significantly from your competitors. With the right keyword optimisation, you can rank higher than even the biggest brands in your industry, giving you visibility and a potential pocket share in the market. Potential customers will have enough reasons to pick you over other brands.
In the SME 360 community, several articles have stood out on the first page of google due to SEO optimisation, providing potential business owners with quality information to help them build their businesses. All this was possible with a website! So what are you waiting for? A website will provide a platform for your business to scale and transit in 2021!
Do you have questions or comments about the SME 360 community? Kindly drop them in the comments section below! We are here to help!
