Why every small business can benefit from having a professional website

As a small business owner, you might have considered setting up a business website but overlooked it in favour of focusing on other aspects of your business.

However this could be impacting your business reach and potential sales. A website can be one of your most powerful marketing tools, targeting customers you might otherwise miss with other marketing methods.

If you’re a small business based in Cheshire, Reach Marketing can help you set up a website that will drive interest, raise brand awareness and help you to create more sales.

Here are the reasons why every small business can benefit from having a professional website.

Your Business will be more visible in Search Engines

To show up in search engines, more than likely amongst your competition you need a website. Knowing how to use search engine optimization (SEO) to your advantage for your website can make a huge difference. For example, if you’re a small business based in Cheshire, you can build a website around your niche (such as florist or wedding planner), and by integrating other keywords you can rank well on Google.

Google uses algorithms to decide which results it shows to a search user. So if someone searches “florist in Cheshire” and you have a website built around these key terms, you have a chance of showing near to the top of those results.

‘Google My Business‘ is also an essential part of SEO. It provides details of businesses including type, directions, and reviews. When people are searching for generic searches such as ‘salons near me’ Google will prioritise the websites that can provide the most relevant information. 

Having a website for your small business builds credibility

There’s no denying that having a website makes your business look more professional which can help turn potential customers into new leads.

Some things you can use to build credibility across your website are:

·       Your own photos. This can include photos of your products, staff, business location, or anything else that is unique to your business.

·       Links to your social media. If your business has social media pages, link these on your website so customers can do further research.

·       User feedback and customer testimonials to provide trust and social proof.

·       Useful information such as Opening times, location, contact details to make it easy for your potential customer to get in touch or purchase from you.

 A website will promote your business,  products and services 24/7

 A website is a great place to promote your products or services 24/7, so even when your business is closed, you can be sure what you offer can still be promoted.

An About page is ideal for explaining your history and motivation behind setting up your small business. It also helps customers put a face to the brand and adds a more personal touch which can help to build trust.

A regularly updated blog is also a perfect way for a small business to promote their products. You can show your industry knowledge, discuss current trends, and talk about your business directly. A blog will also help to bring in a human element to your small business by showcasing your personality and knowledge through the posts you create.

What’s more, a blog is ideal for bringing in keywords to help you rank better on Google, which expands your reach.

A website becomes the basis for your overall  marketing strategy

A website should be your marketing hub. Not only can customers visit it to learn more about your business and products, but any other marketing you do, should lead customers to your website.

Your customers should be able to easily get all the information they need about your business from your website to make a decision to use your product or service.

All your marketing efforts should include your website. It should be on your business cards, linked on your social media channels, and appear in any calls to action you use. In short, your small business website should be your final hub for both potential and returning customers.

Saves you time and provides a Customer Service solution

Your website can be used as part of a customer service and time saving solution for your business. Providing the option to book appointments on your website means that appointments can be booked at any time of the day or night if you wish! It doesn’t require a member of staff to manage this and it makes it really simple for your customer to book. Many people prefer to manage their appointments online rather than pick up the phone. Your website can also be used to collect information about your customers for marketing purposes such as getting them to sign up to your email list so you can promote to them further.

A website gives you a way to compete with big brands

While the internet is by no means a level playing field for all businesses, having a website that’s built well and full of relevant keywords definitely gives you the power to compete with big brands.

Plenty of people now use the internet to shop locally. Whether it’s researching local physical stores or actually buying products, Google is a starting point for many local and national shoppers.

For example, if someone searches “Coffee shop Cheshire”, they’ll probably find results for chain stores in the area. But if your small business website uses keywords properly, you’ll also show up for those keywords.

What’s more, using a good keyword strategy gives you the potential to overtake these stores in the search rankings. They won’t have a dedicated website that’s written for local business, whereas you will.

A website will help you build your brand identity and authority

All businesses need to have a brand identity to stand out from the crowd and connect with potential customers. A website is a great place to showcase your unique brand identity, and by having a professional marketing company create your website we can take care of all of this for you.

A website is essentially a must-have in this day and age. It’s not only a place to direct your marketing strategies and publish necessary information, but it can help your business to expand its reach both locally and nationally.

Are you a small business based in Cheshire? Do you want an affordable, high quality and professional website for your small business? I would love to help!

Email hello@reachmarketingandsocial.com to book your free discovery call.