The short answer is yes. 

While there are plenty of people out there who claim to have gotten by without one for years, ultimately in order to stay viable, (particularly with everything going on in the world right now), creating and maintaining an online presence is crucial to the longevity of your small business.

Here’s some data to back that up…

‍

94% of first impressions relate to your site’s web design

What’s the first thing we do when we hear about a business or meet someone at a networking event? Google them! The expectation is that their website should pop up right away. Once someone clicks on your website, you need to immediately make a great first impression. And not only a great impression, but the right one. Which brings us to our second stat…

‍

75% of website credibility comes from design

Once I was speaking to a potential client about her existing web design. She asked me what I honestly thought about her website, and I told her the truth: her website looked so old and outdated, that had I not have been talking to her now, I would have assumed that she was probably out of business! 

While that was hard to hear, she admitted that I was totally right! She knew her website made her look outdated, but had never invested in making any updates to remain current. This is just one example of how avoiding having a modern website can negatively impact your business—you might lose customers before they’ve even contacted you! Which brings us to our third point...

‍

73% of companies invest in design to help their brand stand out from competitors

Think about the industry you’re in. Next, think about the audience you're targeting and the geographic area you’re in. What makes you stand out? If you pulled up all your top competitors’ websites side by side, is yours really so different? 

Remember, this is often your first impression with a potential customer! This exact example is what we do with our clients. We take a look at their top competitors and compare them. We look for whitespace opportunities to help them stand out. Whether that’s in their brand, messaging, or in this case, their website! It all plays a factor.

Companies that know the importance of standing out, invest in good design. In fact…

‍

46% of people say they will not purchase from a brand if its website or mobile experience is poorly designed

This statistic really says it all. If your website is poorly designed, people will not buy from you. A poorly designed website, unfortunately, really signifies to your website users (subconsciously or not), that perhaps the quality or credibility of your products or services isn’t high enough. 

BUT! Don’t worry—next, we’ll discuss how an effective website can help you stand out from the crowd and make the right sales to the right audience!

‍

How can an effective website help my small business?

‍The purpose of a website is to turn website visitors into customers. You need to give them enough information (without overwhelming them), to make the decision to reach out and contact you or buy your product.

Your website should be your number 1 strategic selling tool. Think about that for a second; your website is essentially your online storefront. Regardless of whether or not you sell a product or provide a service, a website user is going to peruse your website just like they would when walking by a store. 

Is the homepage inviting? Does it draw them in and let them know you have what they need and want? (Just like a physical storefront)? 

Or, is it too busy, too cluttered, too loud, or just distracting? Or, is it the opposite—does it seem empty, outdated, or even closed?

This goes back to the same first impression statistics we discussed earlier. You need to PROVE right away to your website visitors that what you have to offer is exactly what they need. You should be speaking directly to your ideal target audience—they should be able to qualify themselves and buying from you should be EASY.

‍

An effective website can (and should):

Help you stand out from the competition. With so many competitors out there, it’s crucial to stand out. Your website is a key way to do just that.

Establish yourself as an expert in your field. Earlier, we talked about how a great website helps to build credibility. It builds trust in potential customers that you know what you’re talking about, that you are established, and are a great choice.

Increase your number of qualified leads. By standing out and establishing yourself as an expert, you’re already going to start attracting better prospects. Your website can and should also serve as a way to qualify potential clients. Whether through content, a form, or other means, your website should work for you!

Increase your company’s revenue. Lastly, by doing all of the above, standing out, establishing yourself as an expert, and getting more qualified leads, you will inevitably increase your company’s revenue!

‍

Is your website costing you business?

Turn website visitors into customers with a professionally designed website that stands out and communicates your value. Our website packages provide you with everything you need to present your business professionally, communicate your value, and turn website visitors into customers. ‍

Book a call with Mothershed Design Co. today to start improving your online presence and growing your business.