What is a website (and why does your business need one)

We are far from the days when phone books and yellow pages were a daily necessity. Today it seems everyone has a website. But how did we arrive at this new normal? How did websites become the new business card? What exactly is a website today?

Especially for small businesses, it has become a fact of life and an incredibly useful tool in developing brand awareness and loyalty. The fact is, there are many benefits to having a website for your small business. Here’s why you can use one, too:

• Increase credibility. Everyone loves transparency, and your customers are no different. Today, consumers expect companies to have a web presence and may be turned off by those that do not. Moreover, professional contact information is often the quickest way to assess a company’s legitimacy at a glance. With a website, you can add your own custom e-mail and add a touch of professionalism to your address.
• Expand your reach. Studies show that by 2017, more than half of humanity will be online. That means your website has the potential to reach billions of people, some of whom are potential customers. Especially if you have products for sale, a physical store cannot compare to the power, accessibility and visibility of a digital store. Your website can go far beyond the local market and appeal to customers on a global scale.
• Unlike a physical store or print ad, a website is always open, always available and can be updated at the click of a button. Given its scope, websites are endlessly more cost-effective, especially if you use a concierge service on the website, which can save you both precious time and money, turning your website into an affordable product rather than a large investment.
• Great communication tool. Think of your company website as an online brochure or catalog. You can use it to keep your customers up-to-date and informed about your business. Unlike other media, however, you can communicate with your customer base in many different ways, including videos. In addition, websites are great networking tools and a way for others to contact you.
• Effective customer service. Since most customers today expect you to have a website, not having one is a disservice that could drive them to the competition. Moreover, you can create a lot of additional value for consumers by providing additional information, such as frequently asked questions, press releases, tips on how to use your products and much more.

As you can see, there are endless reasons to invest a little in building a site. What is a website, if not the communication tool the 21st century? Companies that do not have an online presence are missing out on a lot of opportunities, visibility and ultimately customers. Fortunately, you can always turn to Are Agency if you want a new or improved website!