If you own a business in 2019 — no matter what that business is — a website can help you reach your full potential.
Many customers and clients search for businesses like yours on platforms like Google and LinkedIn. And having a well put-together website can encourage potential buyers to contact you.
Still not sold? Here are some benefits of having your own website.
- Let customers reach you 24/7. A website enables customers to reach you 24/7, without any intervention. You can either include a contact form on your website to capture client information and then contact them to make the sale, or you can have your business email posted online. Either way, potential customers can find information on your business any time.
- Showcase products and updates. A healthy website updates frequently, whether it’s with blogs, new product offerings, or press releases. Your website gives you ample space to showcase your business’s accomplishments, painting you in the best light to customers and clients.
- Set up sales. Have products you can sell online? Let customers purchase from you any time by setting up an eCommerce portion of your website. It takes the stress away of selling products in person, and lets you expand your customer range.
How to Create a Basic Small Business Website
Hopefully the idea of connecting and selling to global customers has convinced you that a website is necessary.
When it comes to creating a website, you have two options. You can either contact a digital marketing agency or freelance web designer to create your website (which is recommended if you’re not tech savvy).
Or, you can use a number of website creation tools to make your own.
Three of the most popular website creators are Wix, SquareSpace, and WordPress. Most business owners choose WordPress because of the availability of plugins. Plugins allow you to quickly modify and create a layout for your website with a few presses of the button.
After signing up with Wix, SquareSpace or WordPress, you’ll be prompted to choose a domain name, and pay for hosting. Hosting is what allows others to see your website on the internet.
Your domain name should be easy to remember. If your business name is particularly long, you may prefer to use a domain that is an acronym.
Then, depending on the website creator you chose, you can look up tutorials and advice on YouTube to help you create your website.
Website Tips
Ideally, you want to focus on three things when you’re making your first business website.
1) Fast Loading Times. Consumers expect websites to load immediately. If you upload a ton of huge product photos, it slows down how quickly your website loads. While you do want to use pictures, you also should feel comfortable relying on text.
2) Clarity. Have you ever designed a PowerPoint? Hopefully you learned that multiple colors and typefaces don’t look better — they just confuse the viewer. Try sticking to a simple color scheme and no more than two fonts.
3) Ease of Use. Does your site make sense? Is it easy to figure out where customers are supposed to go? And is it easy to navigate on computer and mobile? All of these questions will determine how comfortable your customers are in using your website.
Bottom Line
At the end of the day, it’s best to have a skilled web designer create your business website. But while you’re finding one to hire, you can get your business’s web presence up and running by using Wix, SquareSpace, or WordPress.
Need help figuring out your website? Vodigy Software helps businesses use technology to enhance their day-to-day operations. Contact us now!
