People often believe that only certain kinds of businesses should have a website. Plus, the emergence of social media as a place of business hasn’t exactly helped that misconception; “after all, they’re still online”. Before we get carried away in discussing why this is a misconception, it is important we understand what a website is.

WHAT IS A WEBSITE? A website is simply a collection of web pages that are interlinked, located under a single domain name but belong to an individual, group, or organization, and can be served on one or multiple servers.

Here are 5 reasons why a website is essential to you, as a business owner…

First and foremost, CREDIBILITY. Anyone can open a page on Instagram or Twitter and call himself or herself a vendor. But let’s be real, sometimes, these online pages do not last. Having a website makes your business look “legit”, and people are bound to feel more comfortable patronizing you. We live in the digital era. When someone searches for your product or service online and you appear in those search results, it gives the person a level of conviction that your brand is trustworthy.

A website helps to ANCHOR IN YOUR MARKETING AND SALES: A website is a powerful 24/7 marketing tool. It provides all the important information in one place. The products or services you offer, their prices, your contact details – phone number or email address-, your opening and closing hours/days, reviews, and frequently asked questions. Your customers do not need to wait until you come online the next day to get what they want.

PROFESSIONALISM is a very important aspect of business that a lot of people tend to take for granted. As an entrepreneur, image matters - how you present yourself, and your business matters. It also portrays how seriously you want to be taken. A website helps you project your image. It is like a digital portfolio that reflects your company. It gives people insight to who you are, your ethics, values and what you do. It helps you stand out. An up-to-date website especially helps customers build confidence in you.

As an entrepreneur, making your brand known has a lot of advantages, and having a website helps create that BRAND AWARENESS and VISIBILITY. In today's world, people turn to search engines such as Google to find practically anything and everything. Without a website, potential customers will not be able to find you in their searches. A website opens the door for people to find your business online.

BUSINESS EXPANSION. A website gives you the opportunity to expand your business beyond borders. The saying: “the world is a global village” has never been truer. As an entrepreneur, you’re able to reach potential customers, suppliers or investors, both close and far away from your physical location. They may even be from other different countries. Your business moves from your doorstep and extends all across the world.

With all these benefits listed, why are you yet to create a website? Remember, websites are not limited to certain kinds of businesses. You could be selling thrift items, or even food items like even crayfish, or stock fish. You could be running a home/office cleaning service or laundromat. Everything is about BRANDING, or as we like to call it here-packaging. Always be willing to go that extra mile to improve your business.

Written By the Digital Marketing and Content Development Team at Receive