If you are on the fence about creating a website for business, let me tell you this. It is an absolute necessity. In the age of rapid technological growth and ever-evolving trends, your website is your constant. A website is the catalyst for success.
Social media is a vital piece to launching and growing a business, but it should never be your sole mode of promotion. Social channels create awareness about your business, provide free valuable content, and give you the opportunity to interact with other similar business owners and target clients in real time. However, it doesn’t offer your business the same credibility, content and lead management that a website can.
Establish Credibility
We are in a time of significant economic growth and new business ventures. This statement is not to scare you aware from starting a business as the demand is in full bloom. However, it makes it even more important for you to establish credibility and trust with your audience.
When consumers find your website it almost instantly creates a sense of credibility. With an aesthetically pleasing website that communicates the business’s value, offerings, and benefits, you are building upon that trust and reliability.
Your website does not need to be an extensive array of pages upon pages. It should include a few staples such as an about section, product/service offerings section, and contact section. These few pages will begin to establish that credibility.
Create a Content Powerhouse
There are pitfalls to social media. Each platform only provides a glimpse into your business. A website is a powerhouse for content detailing who you are, what you offer, your competitive advantage, and ideally, customer testimonials.
Since your website is another marketing tool, it should be used as such. Your product offering page(s) should be robust and discuss the value and benefits to the customer. You can also take this a step further and create a blog. Here you can expand upon the topics that you discuss on social media and provide additional value.
Customer testimonials are extremely important to new and established businesses. Placing these testimonials on your homepage and product page(s) will boost that credibility. They may even be the reason for a prospective customer to make a purchase or inquire about working with you.
There is so much more to be said about your website content that can’t be covered here. However, as you become more versed with your website you can begin to add advanced features to your website and utilize digital tools.
Develop Lead Management
Your website is the location that your social media should be directing your audience to. A landing page can help you capture leads by offering a newsletter, free content like an eBook, or even stimulate a purchase.
An email marketing strategy will aid in generating more leads and maintaining existing contacts. This may seem like an overwhelming task, but it can be built over time and isn’t required at website launch. However, building your email lists will aid in significant growth in customer base and revenue. Your website is your best tool in soliciting leads and growing that list.
Build That Website
Through social media establish a connection with your audience and showcase authenticity and expertise. Build on that momentum with your website.
