Are Websites Still Important?
YES. Yes, they are. WAIT! Before you judge a Web Design group affirming that websites matter, read on! This is a valid question when you consider the ease of selling through Social Media platforms… so… Are they still important? Does your business need one? Should it still update it ever 3 years?
In today's fast-paced digital world, social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives. For businesses, social media platforms provide an excellent opportunity to connect with potential customers, showcase their products or services, and build brand awareness. However, social media platforms have their limitations, and businesses that rely solely on social media to build their online presence may be missing out on significant growth opportunities. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of having a website in addition to social media platforms and why websites are still central to the future growth of a business.
A Central Hub and Clear Communication
First and foremost, a website provides a business with a centralized hub where customers can find all the information they need about the business, its products or services, and its values. Unlike social media platforms, a website is entirely controlled by the business, giving the business complete control over its messaging and branding. This level of control is crucial for businesses looking to establish a unique brand identity and stand out.
Customized and Personalized Experiences
Furthermore, a website provides businesses with the flexibility to create customized and personalized experiences for their customers. Social media platforms offer limited customization options, which can make it challenging for businesses to differentiate themselves from their competitors. With a website, businesses can tailor their user experience to their target audience and offer personalized content and recommendations based on a user's behavior on the website.
Credibility and Professionalism
Another significant benefit of having a website is that it improves a business's credibility and professionalism. In today's digital age, customers expect businesses to have a website. A well-designed and informative website can create a positive first impression and help establish trust with potential customers. In fact, according to a survey by Blue Corona, 48% of people cited website design as the leading factor in determining the credibility of a business.
Valuable Insights about Customers
Moreover, a website provides businesses with a platform to collect valuable data and insights about their customers. With tools such as Google Analytics, businesses can track user behavior on their website, including what pages users visit, how long they stay on each page, and what actions they take on the website. This data can help businesses make informed decisions about their marketing and advertising strategies, product offerings, and website design.
SEO
Additionally, a website is an excellent tool for search engine optimization (SEO), which is critical for businesses looking to attract organic traffic to their website. Social media platforms can be challenging to optimize for search engines, and businesses may struggle to rank for relevant keywords. With a website, businesses can optimize their website content and metadata for search engines and improve their chances of ranking for relevant keywords.
Competitive Advantage
Finally, having a website can provide businesses with an advantage over their competitors who rely solely on social media platforms. A website can help a business stand out in a crowded market, establish its brand identity, and offer a personalized user experience. According to a survey by Clutch, 36% of small businesses don't have a website, which means that businesses that do have a website have a significant advantage over their competitors who don't.
What did we learn?
While social media platforms are an essential component of a business's online presence, they should not be the sole focus. A website provides businesses with a centralized hub for their online presence, offers flexibility in creating a personalized user experience, improves credibility and professionalism, provides valuable data and insights, helps with search engine optimization, and offers a competitive advantage over competitors who rely solely on social media platforms. As such, businesses looking to grow and establish themselves as leaders in their industry should invest in a well-designed and informative website.
(writer *relaxes* then *inserts shameless plug* Let’s Talk about your website)
References:
"48% of People Cited Website Design as the No. 1 Factor in Credibility." Blue Corona. Retrieved from https://www.bluecorona.com/blog/48-people-cited-website-design-no-1-factor-credibility/
"Small Business Websites in 2021: Statistics
