I have heard people at all stages of business ask this question. Maybe you’re a new business and it doesn’t feel worth the investment? Maybe you’re an established business and your word of mouth and social media marketing are bringing in new leads.
Let’s break down why you may (or may not) need a website, regardless of where you are at with your business.
Does my new biz really need a website?
The most important thing to consider, is why do you think you need a website? If you are able to connect new leads another way (most commonly, through social media) or sell your product or services without a website, then it may not be the most important thing for your new business.
However, if you are in an industry with a lot of competition, or a providing a higher ticket product or service, chances are people are going to want to get as much information about you as possible before they commit.
You may not need a full blown website right away, but it is good to have something that you fully own and have control over, where you can send people.
Social media is great, but if you get locked out of your account or the algorithm changes, you may lose your connections.
Email marketing is great (wonderful, actually!) but how are you getting people onto your list?
If you are relying on social media and in person connections to build your business in the early stages, it is great to think about what the next step in growth looks like. Something like a landing page for your business can be a first step towards a full website. A landing page is something that you own, you control, and a great way to give people an introduction to your brand. A simple landing page can include a strong call to action (what do you want people to do after viewing your page? book a call? sign up for your mailing list?), information about you to build a connection, what you do, and testimonials or reviews to build social proof.
Things to watch for? Make sure your landing page is on brand, works well across all devices and screen sizes, and has a great user flow through the page. This may be the first thing someone sees when they are learning about your brand, and you get to control exactly how that first interaction is when it’s on your website and you are not competing with other noise on social media.
Does my established business really need a professional website?
For most established businesses a website is a key part of your marketing and sales strategy.
You need somewhere to send new leads in order to convert them to paying clients, and a website that you own and have full control over is the best place to create an environment that is truly you and reflective of your brand.
Even if your social media account is compromised, or you need to take time away from in-person connecting, your website is something that you own and control.
A well designed, strategic website can act like a member of your sales team (that never sleeps!). A clear and strategic user experience and customer journey can help guide visitors through your website, address any hesitations they may have along the way, and lead to a clear call to action for that next step in the customer journey.
If you want qualified leads to book a call your call to action can be a call calendar embed that takes care of this for you.
If you want leads to interact with free content or get on your mailing list, this can be handled without any additional work from you.
When is it not the right time for a (new) website?
- If you are unclear about your current goals and brand messaging, you will want to wait until those important foundations are in place before investing in a website.
- If your visual branding feels out of alignment, you will want to focus on nailing your visual branding first, whether it is time for a complete rebrand or time for a less drastic brand refresh.
- If your business is pivoting and you are not fully clear on your new direction yet, you will want to focus on what the new direction looks like before investing in a new website.
Any other questions about when you may (or may not) need a website? Email us and let us know.
