Do You Really Need a Website?

If you don’t yet have a website for your business or organization, and you find yourself dreading the idea of creating one, you might be asking yourself “is this something I even need?” The truth is, we live in a digital world, so having some kind of online presence is most likely going to be a must-have. But does that have to be a website? Maybe not. Let’s answer some questions together to determine if it’s a necessity for your business.

Does It Matter if You Have a Website?

Well, this all depends on your audience. Consider how potential (and existing) clients typically find you. Is it word-of-mouth or referrals? Is it foot traffic? If people are finding you organically, a website might not be a dealbreaker.

There’s a warehouse where I live in San Pedro that houses different artists and makers who sell their handcrafted goods. There’s a vendor who makes candles and essential oils that my mom and I have become OBSESSED with. I found her booth the first time I went, and now go specifically for her products. And, while I’m there, I always browse around since it’s the perfect place to buy holiday and birthday gifts. Many of the vendors don’t have websites. And they really don’t need them.

Now, cleaning my bathroom is NOT my idea of fun. So I pay someone else to do it. Before I left mid-city, I had Tonia, who I found through a friend that had been using her for years. A handful of us actually started using her and had become loyal clients. When I moved to San Pedro, I found Sara through my neighbor. Neither of these business owners have websites, nor was it a dealbreaker for me.

For businesses like these that rely on foot traffic or personal recommendations, having a website isn’t exactly essential. And not having one isn’t causing them any harm. Would having some kind of online footprint help? Maybe. Having a yelp listing or claiming your business on Google might be something to consider.

So why would someone actually consider building out a whole-ass website?

A Website Builds Credibility

Consider the last time you researched nice restaurants in your area. Which restaurant would you have chosen: the one with a sleek website and easy-to-read menu, or the one that only had pictures of their menu posted on their Google listing? In many cases, an online presence (even if it’s just a basic website), instantly helps boost your credibility and makes customers feel confident about choosing you over someone else. It’ s a virtual storefront where people can learn about who you are and what you offer.

And, according to Forbes, upwards of 98% of consumers read reviews on a website before deciding to make a purchase or use a service.

So a digital footprint can be a strong asset to your business or organization. However, if you’re not quite ready for a full-blown website, at least claim your space on social media platforms, Yelp, and Google. The setup for these are DIY-friendly, so it’s a perfect place to start when/if you’re on a budget.

The important part is to never overwhelm yourself. That’s the perfect way to hit a roadblock you might not have the bandwidth to overcome. Start small, and then build as you go.

When Does a Website Become a Need-to-Have?

While some businesses can thrive without a website, others absolutely need one. Here’s when it’s time to take the plunge:

1. You Want to Control Your Narrative

While platforms like Facebook, Yelp, and Google are consumer driven (meaning they rely on customers to provide feedback about their experiences), having a website gives YOU control over your narrative. It’s a place where you can tell your story and highlight what makes you and your business unique. You get to decide what gets seen and you determine the message. And best of all, you’re not at the whim of some algorithm.

2. You Need Integrated Marketing

Having a website makes your marketing efforts flow together more efficiently. It provides a place for all of your social media, advertising, and email campaigns to culminate. Having all of those external avenues flowing into one spot makes it easier for you to control your message, and for customers to connect with you.

And having some kind of tracking system (like Google Analytics) installed means you can track visitor behavior – like where they came from, what pages they’re looking at, whether they purchased something or filled out a form, etc. This information gives you the ability to see what’s working and what isn’t, and from there you can fine-tune your marketing strategy. Without having a website as a central hub, your marketing efforts start to become scattered and disjointed. You might end up having multiple dashboards to manage, and that can be very time consuming.

3. You’re Planning for Growth

A website doesn’t have to start as a behemoth. It can start small with just one page and expand as your business grows. Over time, you’ll likely add features like an online store or booking system. Your website is a living, breathing entity that evolves alongside you. It gives you unlimited potential for growth where you can reach new audiences and streamline operations. It’s something that can, and should, help you scale your business without major roadblocks.

So…Do You Need a Website?

Well, my friend, it all comes down to your business and your goals. If foot traffic and word-of-mouth is enough for your business to thrive, then a website wouldn’t necessarily be a priority. BUT, if your goals are to build credibility, beef up your marketing efforts, and expand your business, then investing in a website would be the way to go. Don’t let it scare the shit out of you, though. There are tons of resources available on my website that can help you get started.