A professional small business website is more than just a digital business card. It is a suite of tools where you can provide information to your current and prospective clients. Websites allow you to promote your products, services and brand with your own voice.
Did you know?
97 percent of consumers search online for products and services, but one out of every two small businesses is simply not there for customers to find. (sba.org)
This is a very telling statistic, because no matter your product, service or industry, there is a huge upside to having an online presence. Having a small business website is a MUST as we continue to grow in this digital world.
A small Business website allows you to:
- Schedule appointments
- List your rates
- Serve as a portfolio by showing pictures or videos of work you’ve done
- Serve as a virtual store front
- Track your sales
- Post testimonials
- Connect with your audience
- Run promotions, calendars of events, and much more
Your website can be as simple, or as intricate as you need it to be. Remember, websites are tools that allow you to offer products, services and information to your clients.
Creating a small business website doesn’t have to be an overwhelming (orexpensive) experience. There are many website creation tools available to help you make your own (as long as you have a little computer know-how, time and patience) for a reasonable cost. But if you’re not confident in making your own site, or time is not a commodity you have readily available, you can contract a professional to create the website for you.
We suggest your website includes the following pages, to better serve your customers and your business:
- About Us page where you share the company/organization’s history, mission and vision.
- Contact Us page, detailing exactly how you’d prefer your customers reach you.
- Terms of Service/Payment Policy page detailing your payment methods, terms, deadlines, taxes, cancellation policy, etc.; your Shipping Policy (covering your shipping methods, upgrades, deadlines, insurance, confirmation, international customs, etc.; your Refund Policy detailing terms, eligible items, damages, losses, etc.; additional information you may choose to add such as FAQs, custom orders, wholesale & consignment, guarantees, etc.
- Testimonials page where you showcase some of your great customer reviews. Perhaps you link your Better Business Bureau or Yelp company page.
- Services Rates page, detailing your rates.
- Blog and Announcement pages, perfect for providing content like how-to’s, industry news, your own product releases or any update you’d like to share. It is our experience customers find our business after searching a topic covered in our blog.
- Newsletter subscription page, where you can invite customers to sign up to your newsletter. This is a great way to directly reach your clients and provide insightful information, behind the scenes deals, promotions, polls and more!
These are some of the reasons I KNOW your small business can use a website, but, what is YOUR opinion? Comment below with the best reason’s your business does or does NOT need a website. I’d love to hear your take.