Like many small business owners, you may believe your business cannot benefit from having a website or that it is not within your budget. Or maybe you think because you don’t use a computer, neither do your potential customers. These are misconceptions.

going online and having a website is the way to go now, Almost everybody now have mobile devices that can easily connect to the internet. These are your potential customer,

Despite the ever-increasing importance of an online presence for businesses of all sizes and descriptions, many smaller businesses are not adjusting their strategy accordingly. In fact, its on record that over 90% of small businesses in Africa still have no website and online presence at all.

What most businesses now do is to create a social media page, and that’s all and they will be thinking that they are online. The problem here is social media like facebook is meant to help you drive traffic (people) into your website where you can sell to them and even collect their personal details for future sales.

Potential customers who see you on social media site like facebook will trust you more by the time they land on your own personal website

Below are more reasons why you need a website for your business



Accessible 24 Hours A Day

Your website and social media accounts are accessible 24 hours a day, whether you are sleeping or swimming. Imagine that you want to buy from a store. You put in all the effort required to go to the store, but when you get there, it’s closed.

We all know how irate we feel in that situation. You’ll think twice about going back given the bad taste its left (ok might have been your fault for not checking but hey, this is proving the point here!). You will just find another store that is more easily accessible.

Since your website is operational around the clock, from the convenience of the local coffee shop, their couch or their bed, your customers and clients can easily access your website and services.

Your Business Will Appear On Google Search Free

Having a website makes it easier to register your business on Google my business and get the best result. Google my business is a free services from Google that helps show your business to people who are searching for what you do online. It helps you get your website business hours, phone number, and directions on Google Search and Maps.

Let’s see how it works

Let search for “computer training school in gwarinpa” and see what happens
(SEE THE FIRST IMAGE BELOW)

You will notice that Bizmarrow Computer Training school, though not the first on normal Google search result on the left hand side, but occupies the whole of right side of this search, showing the website, hours of work, office picture etc

Lets try again and search for “hair salon in wuse”

(SEE THE SECOND IMAGE BELOW)

You will notice that 3 companies came out on Google my business, the first two have website while the last does not have .Looking at the Google search result above, though their addresses are there, but which one will you likely look up for more information. It will definitely be the first two, because all you need do is click on the website link and you are already talking to them.

The last company even though they are on Google, will lose many because there is no website to click and see more of what they do.

Credibility

By building a website you are giving your business the opportunity to tell consumers why they should trust you and the testimonials and facts to back up those opportunities. Believe it or not, most people will search the internet for a product or service before the purchase to check the credibility first.

When you provide good service or product, positive word-of-mouth about your business is likely to spread. Which in turn, delivers more repeat and new business?

People tend to trust a business after they have done business with it. Using your website, you can continuously serve consumers online and increase your credibility as a business owner..

It Provides A Medium On Which To Showcase Your Work

No matter what type of business you’re in, a website is a great place to showcase your work. By including a portfolio or image gallery, as well as testimonials about your work, you can demonstrate what makes your business unique.

It Will Enable You To Keep Your Customers Informed

Think of your website as being your online brochure or catalogue. It is much easier and quicker to update information about your products and services on your website than in print material, making it an effective way of letting your customers know about the arrival of new products, upcoming events, special promotions, or any new services you now offer. Unlike print ads which quickly become outdated, your website can provide current information and news about your business

As a small business, it’s unlikely you’ll have big budgets, staff or free personnel hours to invest in a complex online strategy, but there are certainly some simple steps you can take to start reaping the rewards that the web can bring.

READ MORE AT http://techpreneursafrica.com/business-growth-reasons-website-important-business/