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Small businesses need every advantage they can get when it comes to developing a strong foundation for success. Most times, they’re competing for patronage against not only other small businesses, but also big-box chains as well. And, given the fact that they usually only have one or a handful of locations, it’s crucial for a small business to capitalize in the area it operates.
A website holds the key to success
Despite operating in a geographically defined area, one of the best things a small business can do is develop a robust website for itself. The benefits of a website for small business are far-reaching and open up numerous possibilities that are integral to the success of that business. Take a look at some of the chief benefits a website can create for a small business:
- >Better awareness. Even though local-area customers may drive by or know about a business, for those new to the area, nearby or just passing through, an online presence shines like a beacon! Someone looking for a local-area bookstore, for example, may do an online search and find a small business without actually knowing about it beforehand. This can drive traffic, which drives sales, which drives success.
- More accessibility. Consumers always have questions—a good website can answer them! Instead of having to call the business or worse, stop in and be disappointed, customers can check the website to find answers to the questions they have. Many small business websites even benefit from a dedicated FAQ page!
- Centralized marketing. A good website is the central hub for any and all marketing campaigns, physical or digital. The chief benefit of a website for small business is being able to point marketing efforts back to it and funnel customers to your business in a streamlined way. For example, a physical mailer may have your website listed on it, where customers can visit for a coupon. Or, your email blast may have a special link back to your website to track engagement.
- Contact information. The name, address and phone number (NAP) of a business are its three most critical pieces of public-facing information and the reason a website is so important. When potential customers want to contact you or figure out what hours of operation you keep, they’re going to visit the website first. In this way, a website acts as the gateway to your actual storefront.
Keep your business relevant
In addition to all of the above benefits of a website for small business, it’s also important to remember that the world we live in today is a digital one. This means that a majority of interactions take place online and it’s important to contribute to that with an active website.
For example, if a food blogger eats at your restaurant and has great things to say, you want them to be able to link your website in their review. Likewise, if someone posts on social media with a question about your menu, it helps to be able to link to a version on your website. Your website becomes an important tool for contributing to the online conversations happening and can help you get traction with people who might be interested in your business.
Every business needs a website
No business is too small to benefit from a website and no small business should operate without one! The benefits of a website for small business are enormous and far-reaching, giving you more opportunities to succeed locally, against other businesses big and small.