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Do you need a website? Short answer; Yes, you do.
Now you might be thinking:
- ” But I am not a celebrity or a huge brand! I am just a small business owner.”
- “I am not tech-savvy and hiring someone to do it for me would be too expensive. Babe, I am on a shoestring budget.”
- ” Why do I need a website when I have an incredible tribe and an engaged following on Instagram?!”
- ” Websites are only for product -based businesses, I am a photographer/Life coach/ event planner. Right?”
Today I’ll be sharing my top 8 reasons why I believe service providers, freelancers, and small business owners need to invest in building a website:
- You own your website but not your social media accounts. As a business owner, you have total control over your website, while you have to adjust to the different social media platforms’ algorithms and ever changing policies. A common mistake small business owners do is relaying (heavily) on their social media presence. Social media is HUGE and it is the number one source of traffic to your website but you don’t own Facebook or Instagram if any of them decided you broke any of their rules and close your account then all your hard work will go in vain.
- Your website is your 24/7 hard working salesman who never sleeps. A combination of a well-designed, user-friendly website and a well-thought of copy would function as 24/7 shop, where sales come in from all around the world and literally while you sleep. Not bad, eh? 😉
If you are struggling with copywriting then you definitely should check up The Copy Cure program by Marie Forleo. It is 100% risk-free & you get free training on the 3 secrets to writing copy that connects & converts. - A well-designed website gives you credibility and improves customers’ confidence. A brand that invests in hiring a web designer to provide their customers with a pleasant shopping experience and a permanent platform they could always return to, to ask questions or resolve any purchase-related issues, is always a trustworthy brand.
- Getting a professional email address. I cringe every time someone hands me their ‘business’ card with their [at] gmail or yahoo email on it. Free emails translate as “cheap” in the business world. When you sign up for hosting, your hosting company will enable you to get a business email that looks something like this: info@yourwebsite.com .
- Your website is an online brochure. Potential buyers get to know you more and get familiar with your products or/and your services through your website.
- Think globally, act locally. I was introduced to this concept back in 2007 on a seminar Reham and I attended in Alexandria before she moves to Qatar. Why do local businesses limit their growth and potential to the local market when the sky is the limit? You ideal customers might be living in another continent so connect with them through your website.
“Think globally, act locally.” Click to Tweet
- A website provides you with direct communication with customers and gives you the chance to provide better customer service.
- A website shows how dedicated and serious you are about your dreams and business idea when you pitch your idea to an investor or if you are applying for a business loan. You’ll come across as someone who is professional, prepared and eager to succeed.
- Extra tip: Having a website helps you and your brand get recognized as an authority.
One final myth to be busted: Having a website is much affordable than opening a brick and mortar store. You could get a domain name for as little as $10-12 per year (yeah! Per year, you read it right.) and around $150 for hosting. If you look at all the benefits I’ve just listed then paying less than $200 annually is an awesome deal.
