Why Should You Invest in a Website?

Open Up To More Customers

If you have been running a successful business for many years without a website, you may not feel it is necessary to invest in one now, but is that the right view to take or are you blocking the door leading to a brighter future for your business?

Past Buying Behaviour of Customers

Let’s take a few moments to consider what it means to live in an ever-evolving world.

Back in the day, it was common place for families to head to their nearest town or city every weekend for a bit of retail therapy. The high streets, lined with independent and large-chain retailers, would attract large crowds of people looking to purchase both essential and luxury items. Whilst high street shops still exist today, many retailers have sadly closed their doors and the towns and cities are much quieter than they were 20-30 years ago.

Shopping for a service was different 20-30 years ago too. Every household used to receive an annual copy of the Yellow Pages. This large telephone directory featured the contact details of businesses covering a particular geographical area. Companies paid to have their details listed and individuals would refer to this book to help them source a company to perform the service that they required. The Yellow Pages was in print from 1966 to January 2019, when the final printed copy was distributed.

The Move to a Digital World

Peoples’ habits are constantly changing and almost everyone of working age now uses the Internet to research information whether it be a new job opportunity, a restaurant review or a list of businesses offering a specific product or service. Online shopping has replaced shopping on the high street, as shopping from home is convenient and is often a cheaper option. This is because online retailers are in a position to offer more competitive prices than high street retailers as they do not have the same overheads.

What happened to the Yellow Pages you may wonder? Having launched an online version in 1996, the Yellow Pages made the decision last year to move to a wholly digital directory and now operates under the name of Yell.com. This company of almost 54 years has moved forward, rather than risk getting left behind.

Since the launch of the World Wide Web in 1991, the Internet has gained considerable strength. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 16.2 million daily internet users in Great Britain in 2006. Fast forward to 2019 and an increase of 28.9 million was recorded, with some 45.1 million people in Great Britain using the Internet on a daily or almost daily basis.

Showcase your Business

We have just learned that last year, there were 45.1 million people surfing the Internet in Great Britain – that’s 45.1 million potential customers for your business. A website is not just a means to share your name and telephone number with potential customers like the Yellow Pages was 30 years ago. Time has moved on.

A website gives you, the business owner, a massive opportunity to showcase your business in full colour and educate people. It is your very own advertising platform that enables you to communicate with your customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can even share success stories and customer reviews, as well as answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

The more information you share, the better people will feel that they know you. Many new business relationships are formed on the concept of ‘know, like, trust’ and all three can be achieved with the right website.

Out of Sight… Out of Mind

The bottom line is if you do not have an online presence, you are at risk of getting left behind and you know what they say about ‘out of sight’…

To discuss how Designtec can help move your business forward and secure your place in the digital world, please call us on 01603 952811 or email [email protected].