by Usman SheikhReasons for a Website in Today’s World!
Reasons for a Website in Today’s World!
The number of internet users is growing every day. Let’s rephrase that internet users are increasing by every second.
As of January 2018, there are over 3.8 billion internet users, according to Internetlivestats.com.
This means that approximately 40% of the world population is “connected” to the digital world.
According to a study, in 1995, only 14% of U.S citizens had access to the internet.
In North America, as of today (2018), 396 million users have internet connections (Not so far behind is the U.S. with 312 million users).
That means at least four out of every five customers are using the internet.
Not having a presence online nowadays is akin to not having a logo or a business card.
The internet has truly revolutionized the way we think, live our lives, and do business.
Here are key reasons why it is important to have a website:
First impressions
Image Source: WBD
According to AdWeek.com, 81% of shoppers conduct research online before they make a purchase.
That statistic is very consistent with the one we shared above.
What one can derive from these two simple yet powerful statistics is that of the people who have access to the internet, use it to conduct research online before they buy.
Not too shocking, but it makes sense and has powerful implications in the world we do business today.
This means is that 4 out of 5 customers get to know about a company well before they walk through the front door.
Customers have become well informed on navigating on the internet and who they will conduct business with.
The preliminary research phase of the buying pattern has become second nature to shoppers.
Customers now online, finding solutions out there for their problems or needs and wants, review product options available, and the businesses that sell them.
They will then narrow down their search to a select few that offer what they like.
Most importantly, if they like what they see online about that business.
The first impression they get from the company, the value proposition, the branding, the logo, the state the website is in – all within seconds, and a couple of clicks.
This process has become so automatic and easy to use because of search engines and smartphone technology.
If a business does not have a presence online (i.e., no website), then that business is being neglected in terms of the consideration when being researched by a customer who is looking to shop.
These businesses are losing sales by not investing in something so basic now, yet a very important requirement and point of entry in any industry.
Not only are they losing money but credibility in the industry at the same time.
By having a website, you tell your customers you are serious about their business with you.
Another key point to emphasize is that it can be even more damaging to your business if it has a website but has a poorly functioning or designed website.
Websites that are slow to load, crash, old, too basic, or not functioning properly will give the impression that this business does not care about its customers to put up a functioning well-designed website that can influence their purchasing decision.
So, it’s safe to say that when it comes to having a website, first impressions count.
Image Source: PDRWeb
Help people (and customers) find you easier.
Google is the biggest search engine in the world and utilized by the majority of the market (80%+ according to searchenginejournal.com).
Before they look for a product or a solution, they try to see what is out there by searching it for it on Google.
The highest-ranking sites get most of the attention of the users.
However, if the customer needs to refine and find a local business, then Google helps with that too.
Having a website that is search engine optimized puts any business at an advantage, as it allows Google (the world’s biggest search engine) to do the work for you.
Properly developed, maintained, and hosted websites will allow you to rank higher in the areas your customers are searching for.
Well designed websites work by helpings customers who are looking for you find you.
If the business website is not optimized for the search engines where people look to research online first, then that business is losing the opportunity and with it – growth.
Let the search engines do the work in bridging the customers to you by having a website that makes it easier for Google to find your business and, thereby, the customer to find you.
Define yourself first
Why is it so important to define yourself and be active online?
or why should you at least have a presence via a website if not active?
Because if you do not define you, others will define you, and you will lose control of your reputation in the digital world that has a direct impact on the real world.
Google search “bots” are already looking to capture any and every business out there.
Google makes money by being the best place where anyone can find what they are looking for.
This service is allowing them to become a reliable source for any kind of research.
By helping their users find what they want, it makes money by providing businesses very specialized, complex, advanced (algorithms and all) to promote and market their businesses in a subtle way.
So it is in Google’s interest to help find you and connect the consumer to you.
If you do not have a presence online, the Gods at Google will allow the customers to define you.
One bad experience like a negative post will mean severe consequences for your business in the future.
Don’t let that happen – define yourself first. Do not let the users of search engines define you without having your say first.
Closing Thoughts
The internet is here to stay.
The number of people using the internet grows by the second.
The world has become more connected, smaller, and, most importantly, smarter because of the internet.
Most people research online before they make any kind of purchase.
Having a website has become a basic necessity for today’s world.
It allows us all to find each other faster.
It allows us to define ourselves first before others use limited information to brand our reputation in the digital world.
The first impression of a business is established online.
Way before a customer has a chance to connect with you in person or walk through the front door.
Make your first impressions count; contact us today and see what we can do to grow your business!
From a start-up helping local small businesses, over a span of 5 years, Usman has built Web Worx Labs to be a leading provider of digital marketing solutions that employs 15+ full-time employees and has customers in over 30 countries.
Outside of work and his passion for all things digital, Usman is a proud father of three, loves running and is an avid reader.
Follow Usman on LinkedIn or Twitter as he is always sharing tips on strategy, branding, marketing and analytics.