Why Every Business Needs a Website: a necessity for 2022 and beyond

The internet is a vast landscape of tweets and cat memes, but it is also an invaluable tool for companies around the globe and their customers. Despite the world’s dependency on the web, there are still holdouts. In fact, as of last year, roughly only 64% of small businesses had a website, with 35% of the small businesses without websites believing that they are too small to have one (via Fundera).

If you’re a small business owner wondering if you should have a website, we’re here to tell you that you do.No matter how small, absolutely every business needs a website in 2022. Here’s why:

Customers expect your small business to have a website.

Roughly 5 billion people use the internet. That’s well over half of the world’s population. It has become an essential tool in our everyday lives and has changed the way we shop and interact with companies.

Think about it — how many times have you Googled when your favorite store will be open? How often do you shop online?

Consumers are accustomed to interacting with businesses online, and if your small business doesn’t have a website, it’s almost as if it doesn’t exist at all.

Websites are essential for marketing.

If you don’t have a website, we can assume you aren’t doing any sort of online marketing, which is a huge missed opportunity. In fact, you’re losing business without it.

Without a website, it is impossible for potential customers to learn about your business if they aren’t living in your immediate service area — that is, if you have a brick-and-mortar store. By creating a website for your small business, you have the benefit of using search engine optimization (SEO) tactics to your advantage, making it easier for potential customers to find your business. You can create ads that link directly to your website, gaining exposure and new customers for your small business.

Social media alone doesn’t cut it.

If you have some online presence for your small business using social media, it is better than nothing, but it isn’t enough. Consumer trends have shifted, as people are using social media less and less. In 2018, people spent 50 million fewer hours on Facebook, and the number has continued to sink.

Additionally, more people are using their time on social media to interact with one another, not with brands and companies. Placing ads on social media is fine, but don’t expect your customers to follow you — they probably won’t.

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Statistics show that a website is essential for small businesses in 2022 and beyond. If you don’t want to be left behind without a website, the RIDIL group is here to help. Schedule a call with us today!