“… We just really don’t get any business from our website,” he said in our discovery meeting. It was far from the first time that I’ve heard that over the years. It’s a struggle for many business owners and a big reason that I got into this business. However, the worst thing isn’t what he said, but how he said it.
What he and many other have implied with that phrase is this: “We don’t get business from our website, and I don’t think we ever could. We invested once (or twice) and are hesitant to do so again.”
Let me be abundantly clear: It doesnt have to be this way. You can make money with your website. You can make a lot of money with your website, regardless of the industry. A great website is far from a wasted investment, we can even make it your most powerful sales tool.
In today’s digital age, a company’s website is often the first point of contact between the business and its potential customers. The impact of a great website extends far beyond aesthetics; it plays a pivotal role in building credibility, shaping perceptions, and streamlining business operations. In this article, we’ll delve into two key aspects that highlight the transformative difference a great website can make.
Building Credibility in the Digital Realm
The statistics speak volumes – a whopping 85% of potential customers turn to the internet for information before making a purchase decision. Your website, therefore, serves as a virtual storefront, shaping the first impression that customers have of your business. Even if clients don’t explicitly mention having visited your website, it’s highly likely that they explored it before reaching out to you. A well-designed and informative website adds a layer of credibility to your brand, instilling confidence in potential customers that you are a reputable and professional entity.
First impressions matter, and this holds true in the digital realm. Research indicates that 57% of customers are unlikely to refer a friend or family member to a business if they find the website unappealing. A visually pleasing and user-friendly website not only captivates visitors but also fosters positive associations with your brand. The website becomes a reflection of your commitment to quality and professionalism, influencing customers’ likelihood to recommend your products or services to others.
Optimizing Workflow for Sales and Efficiency
A great website acts as a powerful tool in attracting and guiding potential clients. Through strategic design and content, it can captivate visitors and lead them towards specific actions you desire, such as making a purchase, filling out a contact form, or subscribing to a newsletter. By seamlessly guiding visitors through the customer journey, your website becomes a proactive component of your sales strategy, enhancing the likelihood of conversion.
A well-optimized website can save both you and your customers valuable time. By providing comprehensive information about your products or services, frequently asked questions, and contact details, the website becomes a self-service hub. Customers can find the answers they need without the need for extensive back-and-forth communication. Additionally, features like online forms can gather necessary information from clients, streamlining the sales process and improving overall efficiency.
Your website can serve as a 24/7 customer service representative, offering answers and clarification to common queries. By providing detailed product/service descriptions, pricing information, and support documentation, your website becomes an invaluable resource. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also reduces the workload on your support teams, allowing them to focus on more complex issues.
Conclusion
In the digital era, the significance of a great website cannot be overstated. Beyond aesthetics, it is a powerful tool that adds credibility to your brand, influences purchase decisions, and optimizes workflow for enhanced sales and efficiency. As businesses continue to navigate the competitive online landscape, investing in a great website is not just a wise choice but a strategic imperative that can make a substantial difference in shaping your online presence and overall success.