Everyone is on Social Media - do I still need a Website?
Do I need a website for my business in 2020? Does anybody use them anymore? What benefits can I get from a website which social media won’t allow?
It may seem as though social media has surpassed the traditional website format as a means of communication with your audience – but websites have never been more vital.
A website functions in a way an Instagram or Facebook account cannot – it creates a completely different view of your business. Whilst I strongly encourage my clients to combine their website with social media, it’s important to establish the differences and benefits of both platforms.
The website provides a foundation for your business’ online presence. A good website will contain all the information about your business that customers want and need to know. It should provide context about you and your business, your objectives, and your products. If you are an entirely online business, you may be selling your products directly from your website as well.
It is vital that your website reflects your business. It must be tidy, easy to navigate, and ultimately reassure the user that they are dealing with a reputable business. If you are selling your products through your website, it’s even more crucial your website reflects your reputability. Nobody wants to gamble their money on an unprofessional business on the chance they might deliver their promised service.
Positive user experience is key. Your website must be easy to navigate. Information must be served up to your customers; don’t force them to wade through a mire of bizarre filler text, excessive and unrelated images, or a plethora of buttons before they find out what your services are. Websites clogged with distracting ads and dodgy formatting will instantly turn away bewildered customers.
There are other advantages to having a business website: any scammer could set up a social media account in a few seconds but a clear, professional website is much harder to forge. It ensures the authenticity and dependability of your business in a way social media cannot. For older customers, who are less adept with social media (and often more wary of it), a website promotes trust. With a website, you instantly become more accessible to this mature demographic.
For some small businesses, leaning towards social media helps promote a feeling of a bespoke, personalised service. For a small business with larger ambitions, a website establishes the sense of a larger company. Act like the large, successful business you’re striving to be and success will follow. Once a potential customer identifies your professional approach to business, their interest will be invested, and hopefully their money.
There’s simply no doubt that websites still have a place in 2020. It’s crucial to have one place to showcase your brand. A business without a website is in immediate danger of being left behind. Your competitors are already engaging with their audience through an accessible website – so the question is not should I have a website, but how can I boost my business’ website to exceed and outshine my competitors?
If you’ve just realised your website needs a push in the right direction, I’d love to help you take it there.
Emily
Founder @ Evolve Chelsea