Why Do I Need a Website? The Big Question.

There are actually thousands of reasons why you need a website but before I share them with you, I would like to share a quick story first.

Your not the only one who has ever asked “why“. Steve Jobs also asked “why”. He challenged every single operation within his company. Everyone, from the engineers to the accounting staff, did things differently, because Jobs would ask them “why” they did things in a certain way.

And answering, “Well, that’s what everybody else is going” simply wasn’t good enough.

When I started my first business eight years ago, the first thing I thought was “I need to get a website”. Why did I think that? Why do I need a website?

I decided to get with the program and copy Steve Jobs to answer the fundamental questions about why I, a business owner, actually need a website.

So here I  picked out the top 8 out of 17 reasons for a quick read to help you better understand. If you’re still not convinced then continue to read the full 17 reasons.

Top 8 Reasons for needing a website

Reason #1 Websites Never Sleep.

Many people surf the web in the evening when most businesses are closed, which is perfectly fine because websites never take a break.  A website will allow your business or organization to be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Having a website is the equivalent of having an employee working around the clock – even weekends and holidays!

Reason #2 Your Top Competitor Has A Website.

If you are in direct competition with another business that has a website, they have a clear advantage – especially if they are adequately marketing their website.  A website is a great way to level the playing field.

Reason #3 “Just Google It”.

More than ever before, people are turning away from traditional means of finding information and looking online, especially by way of mobile devices.  Your business should be at their fingertips when they look in the search engines.

Reason #4 Websites Improve Customer Confidence & Corporate Image.

With a professional website, you will improve you overall impression to the public and, in turn, your customers will develop a greater sense of confidence in your organization.

Reason #5 Small Businesses Have Higher Revenue.

According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses that have websites are averaging $1.07 million more per year in sales than small businesses not online. That equates to 39% higher revenue.

Reason #6 Do You Know 247 Million People?

That is the number of Americans that regularly use the Internet. Worldwide Internet usage is pushing more than 2.4 billion people use the internet every day, and some 90% of those have purchased something, or contacted a company, online in the last 12 months. So by not having a website, you will be missing out on a big piece of the pie.

Reason #7 Websites Help Establish More Customers.

  According to the Small Business Administration, 50% of Internet sales are from new customers. Having a website significantly improves your customer reach no matter what services or products you offer.

Reason #8 Websites Are Not Just Local, They Are Global.

Most small businesses are only able to market to their town and surrounding communities. With a website, you can take your goods and services across America and around the world, if you so choose.

Still not Convinced? Continue reading

Reason #9 – Online brochure

Companies spend millions creating brochures and distributing them. By having a website you can skip that entirely. Your potential customers can find out about you and any of your products online. If you get most of your business through networking and personal connections, then they will want to check out your website.

Reason #10 – Instant credibility

Have you ever had difficulty making that sale? Or convincing someone that you are the real deal. By having a well structured website you can foster instant credibility with anyone. You can provide the ultimate proof that you are, in fact, the realest of all deals (couldn’t resist that phrase).

Reason #11 – Time to show off

You know that great feeling you get when people recognize your work? Well, by having a website you can show off what you do and take pride in your work.

Reason #12 – Helps with business goals

That’s right! When it comes to writing the content for your website you are going to revisit things about your business that you haven’t in years. You will most likely reassess your business goals.

Reason #13 – Communication with customers

By having a blog or even just a feed on your website, you can update customers on your newest offers, products, promotions, events, photos, or any other content.

Reason #14 – Customer support

You can greatly reduce the cost of customer support by have a ticketing system, or even just an FAQ on your website. I can think of about 5 companies off the top of my head that streamline your customer service straight from your website.

Reason #15 – Email@mywebsite.com

I know there are other ways to do this, but by having a website you can have your own email address@whateveryouwant.com. It is more professional and easier to remember. I know you love your steveman99286534@gmail.com , but it doesn’t really resonate with customers.

Reason #16 – Press releases

I know that sounds a bit far out, but it is true. You can run really cheap press releases online about your business, but to do it you will require a website. In fact, I have had clients who were absolute nobodies get one million views on YouTube because of online press releases.

Reason #17 – Any topic or hobby will do

Do you love sports? How about ballet, alternative dance, photography, holidays, Kit-Kats, cars, skateboards, science or animals? Well, then you have a business idea just waiting to happen. The internet has room for an unlimited number of niche blogs that can attract traffic and revenue. Just pick something you love and start writing about it.

So… why do I need a website? You may ask.

Lets put it like this, can you think of a couple of reasons why you shouldn’t? It wouldn’t be a balanced argument if you don’t.

Lets Get Started