Are you one of the millions of small business owners who does not own a website? If so, you aren’t alone. According to a 2012 Small Business Sentiment Survey conducted by Yodle, nearly 1 in 2 (52%) small businesses in the U.S. don’t have a website. “Many small business owners are still not adopting modern technology and marketing approaches,” wrote the third-party research firm.
Being that we live in online-oriented age where everyone is connected to the Internet via smartphones, tablet computers, and traditional computers, it begs the question: why are so many small business owners reluctant to take the plunge into developing a website? The reason for a lacking web presence among a small businesses is likely due to one of the following myths, which we’re going to debunk in this blog post.
Launching a Website Is Too Expensive
One of the most common reasons cited by small business owners regarding why they don’t have a website is “it’s too expensive.” They assume that launching a website costs a minimum of tens of thousands of dollars – and that’s not including the cost of maintenance/upkeep.
Granted, there are plenty of web design companies that will gladly this amount to get a website up and running for your small business, but it typically costs a fraction of this amount if you choose the right agency. Don’t fall victim to companies that knowingly overcharge for web design. Contact the staff at SmartMarketer for a fast and friendly quote today.
I Don’t Need a Website Because I Don’t Sell Products Online
Small business websites aren’t used strictly for selling products and services. Regardless of your niche/industry, chances are you’ll benefit from a strong web presence. Having a website up and running for your business creates greater transparency between you and your target audience, instilling trust and confidence.
Even if you don’t intend to sell your products and/or services online, having a website will make it easier for consumers to find your establishment. Let’s face it, the old days of using phone books to look up the address for a local business are long gone. Consumers today prefer the faster, easier, and more accurate method of using Google to locate a business’s contact information. Failure to launch a website may result in potential customers not being able to find your business.
Here’s a list of some of the advantages to having a business website:
- Helps consumers find your business more easily.
- Consumers view business with websites as being more trustworthy.
- Allows small business owners to connect with their target audience.
- Websites can be used to showcase new products.
- Ability to capture leads and other valuable data about your target audience.
- Service provider businesses can set up appointments/scheduling on their websites, allowing clients to book appointments via the Internet.
- Creates stronger brand recognition and awareness.
- Ability to sell products and/or services through a new medium.
- The list could go on and on…
There’s Too Much Competition In My Niche
Another reason why many small business owners don’t have websites is because there’s too much competition in their niche. If dozens of other websites are ranking for their target keywords, what’s the point of launching your own site?
Truth be told, however, competition isn’t necessary bad. On the contrary, it can be viewed as a positive sign that you’re in a ”hot’ niche. When dozens of other people are vying for the same keywords as your business, there’s usually a good reason for it: consumer demand.
With the right business plan, you can successfully edge your website into a competitive niche. It’s not always easy, but with time, dedication, and a strategic approach, you can place your small business website at the top of the SERPS for competitive keywords and phrases.
Building a Website Requires Extensive Coding Knowledge
Trying to decipher a website’s Source Code is comparable to reading a foreign language. They’re typically riddled with HTML tags, PHP calls, and strange characters.
But building a successful website for your small business doesn’t necessarily require coding knowledge. Thanks to all of the content management systems (CMS) available, you can create a website with little-to-no coding experience. WordPress — the world’s most widely used CMS — can power websites without ever requiring the webmaster to edit, let alone modify, the code. WordPress is a powerful, beginner-friendly platform with an intuitive user interface. It can be used to create small personal blogs or complex, full-scale corporate websites.
If you still aren’t comfortable building a website for your small business, you can always outsource the job to a professional agency.
These are just a few of the many myths surrounding small business websites. Don’t let your business go the way of the dinosaurs. Remain relevant to today’s ever-connected world by establishing a strong web presence.
