Why do some people think they can start an online business without having a website?
Some people believe they can start an online business without a website using services like Instagram or Facebook. However, this is not the case and will likely not result in success. A website is essential for any business looking to be successful online and doing your research before starting your business will help you choose the right platform.
A good website should have a catchy name, effective marketing strategies, a well-planned content strategy, strong branding efforts, and an up-to-date technology infrastructure. Also, it’s important to have a reliable hosting plan and domain name to avoid costly mistakes down the road.
If all of these factors are met, there is no doubt that owning your own website can be incredibly beneficial to your online presence.
If your business is quite successful, you may find many reasons why an effective website isn’t all that relevant to you.
Sure, you understand the need to have a web presence, but you may not believe that an effective website will make a big difference to your particular business, especially if you are already very profitable.
What do you think? Do you need a website to run a successful business?
This article discusses why having a business website is a wise investment and why you don’t need a website sometimes.
Does my business need a website?
Many entrepreneurs ask, “Since I have a small business with a small workforce and we don’t sell anything online, do I need a website?”
The answer is yes!
If you have a business, you should have a website to avoid losing business due to competitors who already have one.
Also, are you sure you can’t sell your product online? COVID-19 has altered the retail landscape, with millions of online shoppers looking for everything from books to clips, homes to natural gas, and more. So while you avoid it, your competitor has probably seen how effective a website can be for their business.
You definitely don’t want to be left behind.
But you might ask, “Doesn’t my Facebook page count?”
Do I need a website if I have a Facebook page?
It is common for businesses to rely on Facebook or other social media platforms as their primary advertising channel. And these channels offer benefits.
For example, they help build a wider audience and even help you carry out market research. However, a Facebook page shouldn’t replace your business website. Here are some reasons.
- You don’t own your Facebook page
What if, one morning, Facebook decides it will no longer support companies? If your Facebook page were your only online presence, all the customers and followers you created would likely disappear.
In fact, not long ago, Facebook was down globally, causing moments of frenzy.
And while it’s doubtful that Facebook will stop supporting companies, you have no say in the changes Facebook chooses to implement.
However, with your website, you have total control over the look and feel of your website.
- Facebook has SEO limitations
Think about it. Where do you go when looking for a local business? Facebook or Google? The 3.5 billion daily queries on Google show that most people turn to search engines on social networks to find information.
A business website allows you to position yourself so that people find you when they search for the products you sell or the services you offer. While you can easily compete with larger websites, you can optimize your site for local searches to appeal to an audience in your area.
- A website is more credible
A business website is a symbol of trust, and people only buy from businesses they know, like, and trust. So while it might be faster to create a Facebook page, you’d be able to gain more authority and trust with a business website. - Attention is fleeting on Facebook
Facebook is extremely competitive. Having your business listed on Facebook means that you are constantly battling competition from many other companies.
Also, you have to compete with your prospect’s Facebook friends. Many people find advertisements annoying, especially when they want to interact with friends, making them ignore your posts or commercial ads.
On the other hand, a business website guarantees the full attention of a potential customer. So while you might do some work to get them to your website, once they are on your website, the chances of advocacy are greater.
Now, we’re not saying you shouldn’t have a Facebook Page for your business. But instead, your Facebook page and other social media should support your website, not replace it.
