The Importance of a Professionally Designed and Up-To-Date Website for Drawing Clients to Your Small Business!

It's a fact that establishing an online presence is an essential tool for small businesses to effectively reach their target audience and remain competitive. 

While exclusively relying on social media platforms and online directories may seem like good options, a well-designed website remains an indispensable asset for small businesses. 

This article will discuss why small businesses should invest in a website, the benefits of regularly updated content and the advantages of professional website design agencies over DIY approaches. 

As ORP.ca is a web design and digital marketing agency, we admit to having a bias on the topic. Still, our advice always comes from our experiences and the experiences clients have shared with us.

1. A Website as a Cornerstone of Small Business Marketing:

a. Establishes Credibility and Trust: According to a survey conducted by Verisign in 2015, 84% of consumers surveyed believe that small businesses with websites are more credible than those without. A professionally designed website showcases integrity, expertise and a commitment to customer service, instilling trust in potential customers.

b. Broader Reach and Accessibility: With 87% of consumers beginning their product research online (according to research shared by Salesforce in 2019), having a website enables small businesses to reach a broader audience beyond their local market. It provides a 24/7 online presence, allowing customers to conveniently access information about products, services, and contact details.

c. Showcasing Products and Services: A website acts as a virtual storefront, providing a platform to showcase products and services visually appealing and informative, allowing small businesses to present their unique value propositions, highlight customer testimonials, and differentiate themselves from competitors.

2. The Importance of Regularly Updated Content:

a. Enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Search engines like Google prioritize websites with fresh and relevant content in their search results. Small businesses can improve their visibility and increase organic traffic by consistently updating website content. Google's algorithm favours websites that regularly publish informative and engaging content.

b. Building Customer Engagement: Updating website content, such as blog posts, articles, and case studies, provides opportunities for small businesses to engage with their audience. Informative and valuable content establishes the business as an industry authority, encourages repeat visits, and fosters a sense of community among customers.

c. Keeping Up with Industry Trends: The digital landscape evolves rapidly, and regularly updated content ensures that small businesses stay relevant. By providing up-to-date information, businesses can demonstrate their adaptability, expertise, and commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

3. The Benefits of Professional Website Design Agencies:

a. Customized and Unique Designs: A professional website design agency can create a visually appealing, user-friendly, and unique website tailored to a small business's specific needs and branding. Templates used in DIY website builders often lack originality and fail to provide a customized user experience.

b. Technical Expertise and Optimization: Professional website design agencies possess the technical expertise to optimize websites for performance, speed, mobile responsiveness, and search engine rankings. They understand the importance of coding, navigation, and user experience, ensuring a seamless browsing experience for visitors.

c. Time and Cost Efficiency: DIY website builders may seem cost-effective initially, but they often require significant time investment and lack the customization and functionality needed for small businesses. A professional design agency can efficiently handle the website design process, allowing small business owners to focus on core operations. 

A professionally designed and regularly updated website is essential for small businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world. It establishes credibility, broadens their reach, and provides a platform for customer engagement. 

Small businesses can ensure a customized and optimized online presence by investing in a professional website design agency, saving time and resources. 

Embracing the benefits of a website and its regularly updated content enables small businesses to enhance their marketing efforts and stay competitive in today's dynamic business landscape.

Take a proactive step forward to your business's success. Start by filling out our contact form.

Sources:

1. Verisign, "2015 Verisign Small Business Survey," 2015 - https://blog.verisign.com/getting-online/verisign-2015-online-survey-97-percent-of-smbs-would-recommend-having-a-website-to-other-smbs/

2. Salesforce, "Nine Stats About the Retail Customer Journey in 2019." 2019 - https://www.salesforce.com/blog/customer-retail-statistics/