Websites seem like a lot of work, money or both which might leave you asking yourself, “Do I need a website?”
Today’s world is focused on the digital age. While not all products, services and information are accessible via the internet, it’s imperative any entrepreneur, small business or freelancer has a website. About 80% of consumers use the internet to search for products and services they need before they make a purchase. That means most people already assume you have a website and are looking for it, all the time!
A website gives you credibility – If future employers, clients, vendors or partners can’t find anything about you online, you will lose credibility. In the information age, the only thing worse than having a bad website is not having one at all. If you don’t exist on the internet, you don’t exist at all.
Convenience is king – If someone can do a quick web search to find out who you are, what you offer and how to get a hold of you, they’re more likely to do so. If they can’t find you, they’ll find a competitor who has that information available.
You don’t want people to go out of their way to find you! Especially if you have a home-based business, a website might be the best way people have to get in contact and work with you.
Communication is key – The biggest part of a small-business, personal brand, or consult is they have a message to share. Their unique selling point. It’s the one thing that sets them apart from all other competitors. Some people use only 100% organic products, some send a portion of sales to a charity, etc. Sharing what sets you apart, builds trust and makes people feel like they’re working with a real human being. The best way to communicate information or your unique message, is on a website.
Time is money – A website is a great way to organize yourself, your company or brand and your information. If the reader already knows who you are and what you’re about before they even contact you, that saves you time.
In short, you most definitely need a website. Whether it’s a personal website to build your personal networking brand, one for your home-based or small business or even for an established company. In today’s world, if you don’t have a website, you are limiting yourself, not to mention wasting time and money that could be well-spent elsewhere!