There is a disconnect between small businesses and the increasing number of potential customers who review companies based on their online presence, deciding whom to give their business. A website is an essential asset for small businesses because they can help you share information, build credibility, and gain a competitive edge.

A professional website for your small business may seem like a daunting investment, but it does not have to be, and the pros outweigh the costs.

First Impressions Make a Difference for Your Small Business

Many small businesses survive on a lean staff and tend to think that spending money on a professional website is a luxury that they cannot afford. Because of this fear, many small businesses have websites that are out of date, confusing for customers, or do not have a website at all. But they forget that a website is often the first impression of your business. Customers visit your site to learn more about your company or research product information and determine if they want to do business with you.

If you are an owner of a small business or startup, it is vital that you realize that a website is not an expensive luxury, rather a necessity. Professional websites can be affordable and a fundamental tool that every company needs to survive and thrive.

Let us explore four important reasons why your small business needs a professional website.

Reach More Customers, Affordably

One of the first things business owners consider when deciding on investing in a website is the expense. Websites do cost money upfront to build with a few recurring fees to keep it operational. But after the initial investments, a web presence is one of the most affordable and sustainable ways to reach new customers. Unlike other forms of advertisements like mail outs or digital ads, it does not require a cumbersome, consistent influx of money to maintain.

Expand Your Market

According to research, almost 4.57 billion were active internet users as of July 2020. This year researchers suggest that the number of digital buyers around the world will be about 2.05 billion. If you do not have a website or you have a website, but it is turning your customers off, you are missing out on a significant potential market.

Gain a Competitive Edge

Your potential customers are shopping around for where they should direct their business. Even if your company is not ready for online shopping options, your customers are still looking at your website to decide if they should come to your business and purchase your product or service. If your competition has a website, it appears as though they are the better option, giving them a significant advantage.

This idea does not mean that all your competitors have a professional website, but probably at least one does. Do not lose customers to them; instead, invest time and resources into developing a professional website that will help you gain your competitive edge.

Instant Credibility

Consumers today are skeptics. According to a recent study, 56% of people stated that they do not trust a business without a website. Having a professional website instantly boosts your credibility as a legitimate business. Your website represents your company; if it is out of date and not functional, it negatively reflects your company and brand.

Design and Deploy Your Dream Website

Bauen Solutions is a full-service technology company with services, including mobile application design and website development. We focus on the unique needs of small to midsize businesses and understand that websites are often the first impression you leave on a prospective customer.

We house the websites we build in a user-friendly content management system, making it easy for your team to update or maintain a company blog. The ability to manage your site is vital for keeping a consistent web presence. In a highly competitive business environment, the relevance of your website’s content can be the difference between profitability and negative margins.

At Bauen Solutions, we hone in on your brand’s personality to create a professional, modern, easy to navigate, conversion-focused website or mobile app, bringing your vision to life. We structure website redesign roadmaps to build brand loyalty, cater to growing your market, and meet the needs of an ever-evolving environment.