Why you need a website

In the dynamic landscape of today’s digital age, having a robust online presence is not merely an option but a strategic necessity for businesses of all sizes. A business website serves as the virtual storefront, acting as a central hub for communication, engagement, and transactions between a company and its audience. This digital gateway provides a 24/7 accessibility to information, allowing potential customers to learn about products, services, and brand values at their convenience. Beyond a mere online presence, a well-crafted business website enhances credibility, fosters trust, and extends the reach of a brand to a global audience. As more consumers turn to the internet to discover, research, and make purchasing decisions, the importance of having a business website becomes paramount in establishing a competitive edge, fostering customer relationships, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the modern business ecosystem. 

Here are three reasons why your company needs a website: 

Global Visibility and Accessibility: 

  • A website provides your business with a global platform, making it accessible to potential customers around the world 24/7. Unlike a physical store with limited operating hours, a website ensures that information about your products or services is available at any time, allowing you to reach a broader audience and capitalize on a global market. 

Credibility and Professionalism: 

  • A professionally designed and well-maintained website enhances the credibility and legitimacy of your business. In the digital era, consumers often turn to the internet for information and validation before making purchasing decisions. A polished website conveys professionalism, establishes trust with potential customers, and reinforces the legitimacy of your brand, making it an essential tool for building a positive online reputation. 

Marketing and Customer Engagement: 

  • A website serves as a powerful marketing tool, allowing you to showcase your products or services, share success stories, and communicate your brand message effectively. Through features such as blogs, newsletters, and social media integration, you can engage with your audience, build a community around your brand, and implement digital marketing strategies to drive traffic and conversions. A website acts as a centralized hub for all your online marketing efforts, providing a seamless and cohesive experience for your customers.  

In essence, a website is not just a digital presence; it is a dynamic platform that opens up new avenues for growth, enhances your brand’s credibility, and facilitates effective communication with your target audience. In today’s competitive business landscape, having a website is not a luxury but a strategic imperative for achieving long-term success. 

I have people tell me every day they have no need for a website because they have a Facebook page. While Facebook has evolved from its initial concept of creating a network of individuals connected by some common thread to a multi-dimensional platform, it should never be the sole online presence for any brand.  Here are three reasons on why your business needs to invest in a website.

#1  REASON YOU NEED A WEBSITE AND NOT JUST A FACEBOOK PAGE

NOT EVERYONE HAS A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

It is that simple. If you look at the beginnings of Facebook, it was targeted as a network for graduated college students. I know when I first heard about Facebook I was unable to sign up because I did not have an email address from a university or organization that Facebook had added to its network. It was only after I got employed by a company and got an email address that Facebook recognized as a viable network that I was allowed in the Facebook world.

Since then Facebook has opened sign up to everyone. I do not know of any restrictions.  If you have an email address, you can sign up for a Facebook account and start a page. Still that does not mean that everyone is on Facebook.  Those that are on Facebook typically are not there to browse the business pages.  Their interest is on a personal level wanting to connect to their friends around the world.

#2  REASON WHILE YOUR COMPANY SHOULD NOT RELY SOLELY UPON FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK IS NOT CONCERNED WITH YOUR BUSINESS

Facebook’s main loyalty is to its shareholders and unless you own a majority share then they probably will not listen to your cool new idea. This means that at any time Facebook can change the rules, layout, mission, focus, etc. on THEIR website / your Facebook page. Facebook will not care if any changes hurts your business if it puts more to the bottom line and makes them more profitable. Don’t think that will happen?  Remember Myspace? It was like Facebook.  (For those that do not remember Myspace.  It was Facebook before Facebook was even around.)   When Facebook caught on Myspace died and is now some type of music platform – I think.  What happens to your hard work when Facebook loses it cool?

Facebook is network (definition of network – a group or system of interconnected people or things) designed around people liking and sharing their views, feelings and pictures. While this is good for individuals, it is bad for a business. Do you instinctively glance over the paid promotions in your news feed?  Facebook spends millions of dollars investing in the user experience and developing ways to keep you on the site. While again good for an individual, bad for business. There are thousands of pages on any given subject matter on Facebook and their main concern is to promote those that spend money. With the exception of a few pictures and a few lines of context what separates any page from another page? Each and every page has the same layout and the same basic information. A fashion metaphor –  It’s hard to stand out from the others when everyone is wearing the same outfit and you can only accessorize.

#3 REASON YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS A WEBSITE

“LET ME LOOK THAT UP ON FACEBOOK” – SAID BY NO ONE EVER

While I do not claim to know you or anyone else’s search habits, I can make a very educated guess that Facebook is not where the majority of the population start their search for information. Last I checked Facebook was not one of the options for your preferred search engine when setting up your browser, phone, or tablet.  The majority of the population turn to one of the two search engine giants, Google or Bing.   While both do index Facebook pages it will be years before Facebook pages consistently appear number one in search rankings.  And then you run into the problem that you must be sign into Facebook to view the page content.

According to Wikipedia – A web search engine is a software system that is designed to search for information on the World Wide Web. The search results are generally presented in a line of results often referred to as search engine results pages (SERPs).

When a search engine stores a Facebook page it does so by placing it first under the Facebook.com domain and then sub-categorizes your information.  Why does this happen?  Because your Facebook page has an address structure of www.facebook.com/(your-page-name or id).  This tells the search engine that the page is a small part of the bigger Facebook.com domain.  However, if you have your own website then your address structure is similar to www.example.com and the page will be stored under example.com.  This automatically puts your brand on the same competition level as Facebook, not a sub-page of Facebook.

CONCLUSION

Facebook is great for marketing your business but will never replace a website. By relying on a Facebook page to be your online presence you limit your audience.   A website provides a solid starting foundation for any business to grow an online presence by:

  • Providing access to your information to anyone on the internet. No sign up required.
  • Providing a stable platform for any business/brand to showcase their assets without the constant fear of platform changes.
  • Makes it easier for your clients to find you.

If your business needs help with their online presence, please contact me at lorin@h3webelements or use the request form.

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