With the rise of social media, online shopping malls like Shopee, Lazada, Amazon, and the surge of “link in bio” landing page services, many new business owners are questioning the need for a traditional website. Some don’t even bother to get a domain name for their email address, happily using free Gmail or Hotmail accounts instead. But is the website gold rush truly a thing of the past? Do businesses really no longer need a website? Can they solely depend on the “free” web presence offered by many platforms in exchange for their data? Let’s dive into that today.
People are still using search engines, but are you searchable?
When people hear about a brand, what’s the first thing they do? They Google (or Bing) it. Now, what kind of results do you think will show up if you don’t have a website? Your social media profile might appear, but there’s a good chance your potential customers will quickly lose sight of your brand as they get distracted by other content. Is that really how you want your brand to be remembered—or, more likely, forgotten? Relying on chance for someone to spot your brand amidst the noise is not a winning strategy.
Having a website isn’t just about selling something; it’s about owning your space on the internet. Like it or not, people still research products and brands online, and you want to be found when they look for you. Social media platforms might be free, but you’re paying with your data and constantly at their mercy. A change in policy or algorithm can make your presence disappear overnight. In contrast, your website is yours to control—your only risk being a bad hosting service, which can be easily avoided by choosing a reliable website hosting partner.
What Can Businesses Use Their Website For?
Enhance Credibility and Trust
A well-designed website significantly boosts your business’s credibility. In an age where online scams are prevalent, customers often look for a website to verify that a business is legitimate. A professional site with clear contact information, customer testimonials, and a secure connection is crucial for building trust.
Create a Branded Experience
Your website is your brand’s digital home. It’s where you have complete control over your brand’s identity, from design elements to the tone of your content. This level of customization is vital for standing out in a crowded market, something that’s simply not possible on third-party platforms.
Post Company or Product Updates
Keeping your audience informed with detailed company news, product updates, and blog posts is essential. This content not only keeps your customers in the loop but also boosts your SEO, helping your business rank higher in search engine results.
E-commerce and Online Sales
Even if you’re selling on marketplaces like Amazon or Shopee, your own e-commerce site allows you to control the customer experience and maintain access to valuable customer data. This is crucial for building long-term customer relationships and enhancing your brand’s visibility.
Offer Customer Support and Services
A website is an ideal platform for offering comprehensive customer support. Whether through contact forms, live chat, or a detailed FAQ section, your website can provide the support your customers need, ensuring a smooth and satisfying experience.
Build an Email List
Growing an email list through your website is a powerful way to maintain direct communication with your customers. Unlike social media platforms, where you’re subject to algorithm changes, an email list gives you a reliable way to reach your audience with promotions, updates, and more.
Showcase Your Portfolio or Case Studies
For service-based businesses, a website is an essential tool for showcasing your work. Detailed case studies or a portfolio of past projects can demonstrate your expertise and attract new clients, helping you grow your business.
Offer Downloads of Product References and Guides
Your website can serve as a valuable resource center where customers can download product manuals, guides, and other important documents. This capability is something social media platforms don’t offer, making your website indispensable for customer support.
Run Promotions and Exclusive Offers
Your website is the perfect platform for running promotions, offering discounts, or introducing loyalty programs. You can create members-only areas that give your best customers access to exclusive deals, enhancing customer loyalty.
Customer Registration for Warranties
If you sell products, a website is an efficient place for customers to register warranties. This not only streamlines the process but also helps you gather important data for follow-up marketing efforts.
Conclusion
Even in a world dominated by social media and online marketplaces, a website is far from obsolete. It remains one of the most powerful tools for building and maintaining a strong online presence. It’s not just about having a place to sell your products; it’s about owning your brand’s space on the internet, offering unparalleled customer service, and ensuring you can always be found when someone looks for you.
So, do you still need a website in 2024? We’d say a resounding yes! In fact, not just 2024, but for many years to come. As long as you’re in business, you ought to have a website!
