Does your business still need a website in 2020?

4.5 billion is a big number and it's the number of web users reported around the world at the end of 2020. In the UK, the figure stood at 63.5 million or around 95% of the population. That's a fair few people. What might they find if they searched for your business?

If the answer is anything other than, "the best website we could afford," then the fact that  97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else might be unsettling. What are they learning about your business when they search their area?

You need a website, here's why:

1. No business is too small

Whether you're a local independent pub, a trucker's cafe, seaside furniture store or selling hand mande jewellery on the weekends, you would likely benefit from a website. It increases your business' professionalism, gives potential and existing customers a digital source of information, and can provide online sources of revenue generation.

Whether you're a one-man band or a multi-national corporation, if your business exists in the real world, it should exist on the web. Even if most or all of your income is through physical means, what happens on the days you have to close? What happens when a global pandemic hits and you're forced to close your doors?

But surely you can acheive the same results with a few looked after social media pages?

2. Social only goes so far

Social media engagement is vital, there's no doubt about it. To some it can be the lifeblood of their business! However, a Facebook page or group should be an addition to, not replacement of, a business website.

One of the main drawbacks of relying on social platforms is a lack of control; over branding, where your content appears, who sees it and when.

A real world equivalent to only operating on Facebook might be selling only at one car boot sale - you don't get much control over where you're placed or much ability for standing out from the stall next to you, and if the car boot owner sells the field then who knows what happens next! Conversely, a physical store allows you to decorate how you like, open when you like and serve customers how you like. A business website is the digital equivalent!

For more on how social is only one part of the puzzle, read https://devetecho.co.uk/blog-news/do-you-still-need-website-2019

3. No niche is too niche

Reckon there's no need for a website because you're operating in some kind of super-niche? There are around 3.5 billion Google searches every day, and many other search engines being used at the same time. Someone is surely looking for what you offer.

In fact, while your business website might not get the same amount of traffic as other broader industries, being niche isn't always a bad thing! If people are searching for what you have to sell or provide, then chances are they know what they want and are further along the purchase process - so you might have a better chance of converting. However, no website means not being found at all!

4. A website is whatever you want it to be

Unlike other forms of marketing, your website has the ability to constantly transform. Start selling online, take bookings online, take donations online, stream classes online, store and sell digital content online, offer a place for customers to talk to each other whilst building brand familiarity.

Whilst a website is something you should have, it shouldn't become something you have just for the sake of it. Think big, think new and different from what your business currently is. Why limit yourself and your business to the physical realm?

So...

The answer is Yes!

A website should still be one of your business' assets in 2020. There are so many options with regards to creating one, from low-risk and low-cost do-it-yourself options that allow you to get something online to dream-big, bespoke development.

Devetecho specialises in the latter; bespoke websites that are properly built, fit for purpose and fulfill your business' requirements. Let's talk about the right solution for your business in 2020 and make the most of it!

If you'd like to discuss your next website project with Devetecho, call 0121 517 0121 or email howdy@devetecho.co.uk