According to the latest available data, it is estimated that around 36% of small businesses in the United States still do not have a website.
Wow, that percentage surprises me!
No website – for a business?
Without their very own online presence, how does a business expect potential customers to find them easily?
If people can’t find out more about the products and services they need online, a business is at risk for having them choose their competitor, one who has a website that ranks well in a search.
Businesses That Don’t Have a Website
People are directing their attention more and more to the internet to find what they need. This trend has been growing every year, and will continue to grow in the future.
Why do some small businesses still operate without a website?
Perceived Cost of a Website
Some small business owners may believe that creating and maintaining a website is expensive, especially if they anticipate ongoing costs for design, development, hosting, and maintenance.
The truth is, there are so many options now for starting small and growing a website over time.
Lack of Technical Web Knowledge
Building and managing a website can be intimidating for those without technical expertise. Small business owners may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of learning new technology or hiring someone to do it for them.
There are online site builder options, but trying to do it yourself takes time away from running your business. Running a small business often requires wearing multiple hats.
Hire a pro. Lots of website designers offer great entry level plans to help get you online.
Reliance on Social Media for Marketing
Some businesses may rely solely on social media like Facebook and Instagram. This does help a business establish an online presence.
Is Facebook sufficient for reaching customers? Most business pages struggle for their posts to be seen. And not every one in your target audience is on Facebook.
Local Customer Base
Businesses that primarily serve a local customer base and rely on word-of-mouth referrals may not see the immediate need for a website. They may believe their existing customer relationships suffice for generating business.
Truth is, people are searching Google for things local before they call or visit a business.
Fear of Negative Feedback
Some businesses may fear negative reviews or feedback that could potentially be posted online if they have a website. They may feel more comfortable managing customer interactions in person or over the phone.
But what about positive feedback? A website is a great place to showcase positive reviews and testimonials from happy clients.
Preference for Traditional Marketing
Owners of older, more established businesses could be stuck on traditional forms of advertising like print ads and expensive television ads. They are comfortable with these methods, even if results have dwindled with fewer readers and viewers.
Now is not the time to be hesitant to transition to online marketing.
Every Business Needs a Website
The truth is, having a website offers so many valuable benefits, including increased visibility, credibility, accessibility, and the ability to reach a broader audience.
The tracking data alone is valuable! You will know what’s working and how people are finding your website. You can’t do that with print advertising.
Digital trends keep evolving, and people are online more. We’re searching, shopping, and paying bills.
These trends make it increasingly crucial for every small business to remain competitive and grow by having a strong online presence.