Are you a sole trader in Ireland? Do you run an SME in Ireland? Then you need to start thinking about getting a professional website designed for your business. Having a professional website can enhance your business in the following 5 key ways.
The importance of a professional web presence.
Having a website means that information about your business, your products and services, is available to potential customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This means that you are always 'open for business' and not reliant on customers visiting your premises or calling you during opening hours. Instead they can find the information they need at a time that suits them.
Similarly, having a website means that you are no longer tied to physical location, you now have the potential to access much larger markets. When a customer goes searching online for a product or service, you have the potential to reach them, regardless of their location. Your website becomes your online 'shop window' allowing potential customers to browse through your products and services, and contact you for more information.
It's not enough to have a social media profile, the majority of clients prefer to deal with businesses that have a professional website
While having a Twitter account and Facebook page are an important part of your overall online strategy, it's not enough to have a social media profile, the majority of clients prefer to deal with businesses that have a professional website. It is increasingly important to have a mobile-responsive website to capitalise on online opportunities and attract the attention of would-be customers.
It doesn't matter what type of industry you are in, having a professional website provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your work to potential customers. Your website could include a portfolio of work, an image gallery showing recent completed jobs, or a comprehensive guide to the services you provide.
Make your business standout online with a killer portfolio
Whether you are a painter, plumber, interior designer or you provide professional services - giving potential customers a visually appealing portfolio will encourage them to find out more. For even more impact, you can provide evidence of recent work, for example with before & after pictures.
Your website can help to give your business a 'personality' and a 'brand identity'. Through your website, you can communicate with your potential customers about what makes your business unique, how well your business understands the market and how you can solve their problems and meet their needs. Using sections such as 'About Us' and 'Our Story' you can let your customers know who you are and provide them with information about your team. This helps your customers identify with your business, builds trust and encourages contact. Your website should not be seen as an expense, but rather an investment in your business brand and identity.
Simply being online gives your business credibility. When customers search for products and services, your website can provide them with clear information to help their purchasing decision. Having a website also allows you to quickly update your business information or add and remove products and services that you offer.
Customers believe businesses with a company-branded email address [@mycomany.ie] are more credible than those with a generic one [@gmail.com]
As mentioned earlier, research shows that having a Facebook page alone does little to increase credibility. Customers believe that having a website gives your business credibility. They also believe that companies with branded email address are more credible than those with generic ones.
A professionally designed website also allows you to bolt on features which give you a voice in your industry, connect with your customers and engage in conversation. Features you might consider are a company Blog, Live Q & A, Events & Seminars, all of which increase your credibility in customers' eyes.
Track your online presence with analytics
Installing analytics software provides you with valuable data on how users are interacting with your website. Information can include:
Having access to this information allows you to make decisions about the content you include on your website and how affective your marketing efforts have been.
Contact us today to get started on a professional website for your business