To build a website, or to not build a website? As we commit to living, working, and learning on the internet — this is the million-dollar question. Each of us is going to have a different approach to building our business or brand. The inclusion of a website is crucial in setting a foundation for success as the entrepreneurial journey begins.
5 Reasons You Need a Website
The fact is, the vast majority of people are internet users. In some cases, all you need is a solid social media presence to begin leveraging your brand. However, there are several reasons why having a dedicated website will benefit your brand in the short and long term. Here are 5:
More control
Having a website gives the individual, organization, or brand greater control over how their narrative functions online. Telling your story, establishing a voice, and building a community all play a role in building a brand’s identity. A thoughtfully done website sets the foundation to build that ecosystem.
Your story: Social media accounts work great, but you’ll always be confined by the nature of the application. Having your own website gives you the freedom to tell your story exactly how you want to.
Your voice: Whatever industry you’re in, you want to raise your voice so people can hear what you have to say. You can do this on social media, but not quite like your website. By blogging and creating content, you’ll be able to establish your brand’s personality.
Your partners: Building a network is key to building a brand. Again, followers on social media are great, but a website allows owners to advertise together and cross-promote on their own sites. You can also aggressively build mailing lists. If you have a blog with helpful information, you can earn money through advertising while you promote your brand.
SEO
Again, the vast majority of the U.S. uses the internet daily — they use Google to search through it. 75% of the market share belongs to Google. Having a website increases your visibility and will allow your brand to appear higher in the search results.
Separation from the rest
Ironically, even though the majority of consumers are browsing the internet, most small businesses are still not online. In 2016, only 54 percent of small businesses in the U.S. had a website. Though the number is growing, you’ll stand out from the crowd if you can boast a solid site.
Credibility
There’s a level of credibility that comes along with having a well-designed website. More and more consumers expect businesses and brands to have a well-made site, and as your awareness spreads you’ll be able to compete with others in your industry. If done right, your site will work for you 24/7. Because word of mouth travels fast, you’ll find it easier to earn the trust of potential clients if they can learn more about you online.
Growth
It’s important for every brand to understand its supporters so that it can continue to grow in the right direction. While you can build a list through your social media accounts, having a dedicated website equipped with the right tools allows you to get a closer look at your follower’s behavior. What products do they buy? What articles are they reading the most? Owners of well-designed websites site can collect certain data and in turn, better serve their clients.
Even though I’m a firm believer in a well-done website, in order to reach new heights, you’ll need to utilize multiple digital tools (like social media, mailing lists, etc.) Also, it’s important that your website looks good on mobile. These days, that’s how most people are browsing.
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My top priority is to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for your organization or brand, BUT if you’re still hesitant to invest time or money into a website, check out this post on why you don’t need a website.
If you have any ideas of your own, please feel free to share! Hit me up on Twitter or FB.
(Updated on July 9, 2021)
