QUESTION: “Who needs a website? They’re expensive and besides, you can find me on Google!”
THE SHORT ANSWER: Active businesses and organizations need a website. Google alone won’t be able to provide for all of a business’s needs.
There’s no doubt that search engines are allies to businesses and organizations. Google search is a powerful tool that helps websites by providing them with traffic. Websites can use Google search to help them increase their web traffic and improve their online visibility. Google search also helps websites by providing them with information about their audience and offers Google Business Profile to add another way to highlight your business in search results.
The beauty of a website is that it’s yours. You own your website and what is added to it. Your website reflects and represents your business or organization and its mission and branding. You don’t have control over social media platforms and changes or updates like you do with your website and its functionality.
A website showcases your products and services, and it can also be used to collect customer information and build relationships with potential and current customers. You can also use your website to blog about your industry, post news articles, and share other relevant information that can help build trust with your audience.
You can use your website to sell your products and services and to receive donations if you are a nonprofit organization.
Depending on what bells and whistles you want or need for your website to be the most effective for your business or organization, your website likely will cost you very little in the scheme of your annual budget. Webhosting and add-on products for your website on average can be $350 a year. It depends on the web service that you’re using, and as mentioned, any add-ons that are also needed. If you hire someone to design and set up your site or to maintain it for you, you will have those additional expenses as well to consider. The prices as well can vary from service provider to service provider.
Small businesses and organizations need an online presence to succeed in today’s economy. A website is a crucial tool for promoting your business and reaching new customers.