In today’s digital world, much of a person’s perceptions and decisions come from a computer screen, whether that be a desktop, laptop, or mobile device. Every day, people look at websites for information, to purchase products and services, to be entertained, and oh so much more.

 

Because much of this action is taking place online, it is imperative for businesses to have a web presence if they are going to be successful.

 

Even though you may already have a Facebook Page or Instagram, Pinterest, and Flickr accounts, a website is still a necessity for any business. Here are the reasons why a professional website is the right choice for you and your business.

 

1. Build your online presence

 

By investing in a professional website, you’ll be creating a one-stop shop and an online storefront for your business. Your website should show off your portfolio of work, share your pricing information, and make it easy for leads to contact you. Yes, you can maximize your promotion on social media, but your website provides the online hub of your business. It is where people will get to know more about you and make sure that you are the right person for their needs.

 

You can use social media platforms to direct potential clients on where to your website where they can find more information about your business. Websites will give you and your business another level of credibility, which will help you land more clients than the person who just sends people to their Instagram account or Facebook page.

 

2. It offers flexibility and projects a unique, positive brand for your business.

 

 

Do you still need a website if you’re using Facebook, Flickr, iStockPhoto? Absolutely! These online platforms are templated, meaning, they have a fixed layout, functionality, and features. You will share similar designs with millions of other people!

 

Also, many business owners start off their online presence by using free versions of platforms such as WordPress, BlogSpot, and Tumblr. These platforms are good, but they are very restrictive. They have fixed themes, limited layouts, a lack of features you need, or bothersome features you don’t really need at all.

 

On the other hand, a beautifully designed website is necessary for branding and is shown to help increase the number of leads who reach out to you. Your website should be an online version of yourself, that allows people to get to know you better and also shows that you are a professional and you take your business seriously. And remember, people, are more inclined to get the services of a professional because they feel assured of the quality that you deliver. Essentially, your website becomes your online resume, business card, and diploma, proving that you know what you’re doing and helping to validate your pricing.

 

3. A website allows you to share ideas

 

Include a blog on your site. By doing so, you will enjoy the benefits of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Google loves fresh, valuable content, and each article you publish in your blog ill send a message to Google saying, “Hey, come to check out this awesome new content!”. This is important because the more Google’s bots crawl your website, the better chance you have of ranking higher than your competition. If you are regularly updating your website with relevant, value-rich content, there’s a good chance that your website will land somewhere on the first page of Google search results.

 

In addition, you can share techniques, tips, reviews, insights, and personal stories with your readers. It tells them there’s a real person behind the site who is passionate and knowledgeable about their specific industry niche. If your business has gained traction and you have built your reputation, you will have aspiring viewers looking up to you. By blogging regularly, you will position yourself as a thought leader in your industry, making it easier to attract clients and share your expertise with other aspiring people.

 

4. You will have both a local and worldwide audience.

 

This one is a no-brainer but needs to be emphasized anyway. The Internet does not have operating hours. Thus, your website tirelessly promotes your businesses all over the world 24/7, 365 days a year.

 

By having a web presence, you will also reap the benefits of local promotion, especially if you incorporated some simple SEO techniques. Here’s an example: when people search for accountants, they usually type in a geo-location (e.g., “accountants in Detroit”). If you have incorporated keywords such as “professional accountant in Detroit” in your content, chances are, your site will be displayed in a search engine results page. Readers then will most likely click on your link.

 

5. You have a real team backing you up.

 

 

Don’t know how to code, design, or layout your website? Don’t worry! A friendly and expert web design team at FolioWebsites is available to do the work for you. With a simple email or chat, they can apply your preferences, fix issues, suggest ideas, and more.

 

Is your website old, templated, slow to load, flash-based, or inadequately designed? Or don’t you have a website at all and rely only on social media? If so,you’re missing out on A LOT of potential business. Get a professionally designed website now with Folio.

 

Concerned about the time it will take to migrate your current website over to Folio? We take care of that too! Folio has a full-time migration team that is ready and waiting to help you migrate all of your content over to our platform. All you need to do is sign up, give us access to your current site, and we take it from there!