Online Presence
First, a website provides your business with an online presence. As previously mentioned, the vast majority of customers search online to find local businesses. Google and other search engines are an opt-in service, which means that unless you tell search engines your contact information, it will not be provided to people online. A website works to tell search engines information about your business including your address, telephone number, service areas, and business hours. If your business isn’t found on search engines, it essentially doesn’t exist online.
Engagement
The second reason your business needs a website is because it creates a channel for customer engagement. A good business website gives people opportunities to interact with your business, such as by requesting a free quote, scheduling an appointment, emailing your business, or even just looking up your address and phone number. The more information your customers can learn about your company in the fastest amount of time, and the more opportunities they have to engage with you, the more likely they will be to engage with you.
Competitive Advantage
If you want potential customers to find and use your business over your competitors, your business needs a website. The more information you can provide about your products, services, and personality, the more you can distinguish your business from competitors in your local community.
Also, by using content reflective of the personality and culture of your business, your website can get a feel for the experience of your business, not just its products and services. The more familiar you can make someone with your business, the more they will be drawn to it.