In December of 1990, the first website at CERN went live.  Nearly 30 years later, we are still fine-tuning and improving upon this technological feat. While additional digital sites have arisen that house company and product information, websites are still necessary for the success of your business. And not only that, but a company’s website must be responsive, professionally designed and SEO friendly to maximize results.

 

While there is a plethora of reasons why your business should have a website, and a laundry list of elements that make up a great website, we’ve compiled our top 3 for each.

 

Let’s jump in!

 

Why A Website in 2020

 

1. Build Credibility and Trust

 

A website is your company’s online front door. Your business alone owns this space. Through a website, you can clearly and concisely relay your brand’s message to consumers interested in your product or service. A website is home base for your virtual presence strategy, a marketing strategy focused on ensuring the basic digital components are in place to be found, convert, advocate, and uphold online reputation. Without this tool or this strategy, you are at a disadvantage.

 

Many business owners have turned to social media sites, like Facebook, as their company’s information hub. Social media is a great outlet to reach an audience, but there is significant amount of grey noise diluting your messaging. While visiting your company’s social media page, users are still being served ads from other businesses, and they are usually your competitors. Don’t you want a user’s undivided attention?

 

 

2. Websites are Open 24 Hours a Day

 

While your company’s physical address may only be open to the public for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, a website is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is 168 hours per week consumers can learn about your business, research your products and reach you. Reachability is key to address consumer questions and deliver timely answers. How to appear reachable at all hours of the day? Contact forms.

 

Contact forms are a powerful communication and marketing strategy as they act as digital business cards. They are a gateway for all pertinent information to be exchanged when your business is open or closed. When positioned currently on a website, contact forms save time, maintain organization and maximize conversions.

 

 

3. Your Competition Has a Website

 

When a consumer is researching businesses within your industry or products that you offer, will they be able to find you online? Your job as an owner is to earn people’s business. Without a website, your chance of gaining market share dwindles. Through a website, ensure that your business, like your competitor’s, can be easily found when conducting an online search.

 

 

Make or Break Elements of a Valuable Website

 

1. Responsiveness

 

By definition, a responsive website describes a web design that allows websites and pages to display on all devices and screen sizes by automatically adapting to the screen. Your website should be user friendly and easy to navigate on any desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Studies show that mobile users are five times more likely to leave your site if it is not optimized for their device. Furthermore, 88% of online consumers are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience. You want your company to be found online, but you also want consumers returning to your site. Make it an easy decision for them with a responsive site.

 

 

2. Three Letters – SEO

 

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. While SEO is a widely talked about marketing tactic, there is often a great deal of confusion surrounding this principle. By definition, SEO is the practice of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search results. SEO can improve visibility, website traffic and lead potential.

 

When a consumer searches on Google, Yahoo or Bing for the goods or services your company offers, your goal is to have your website appear as the first result on the page. Research shows that the first page of a search result incurs 95% of a user’s attention, whereas the second page earns roughly 5%. Still not convinced? Further sleuthing finds that the first site listed from a search results earns about 33% of overall search traffic, while the seventh site earns a mere 3.5%.

 

3. Make it Stylish!

 

A professional design further establishes brand credibility and can improve sales. It takes about 0.05 seconds for a user to formulate an opinion about your website. One way in which to make sure these judgements land in your favor is to maintain or improve your website’s design. An astounding 38% of users claim they will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive. It is relatively easy to create a visually appealing website from scratch or from a pre-existing template. Below are a couple of examples of websites created in-house that are both visually appealing and engaging.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They are professional, stylish and modern. Interested in something similar for your company’s new website? We’ve got you covered!

 

Final Thoughts

 

Yes, it is 2020 and an ever-changing digital age, but you still need a website. Create a community for those who engage with your brand or business. Be a resource, control your message, and solidify your legitimacy.

 

Building a website for your business is something to get excited about. The Times Union Media Group is here to help. With dozens of themes to choose from and an professionals with years of experience, we can help you get your website up and running to attract new business and maintain contact with current customers. Get in touch with us today and learn how the Times Union Media Group is your digital partner.

 

####