Why Every Local Business Needs a Website
Essential Stats and Reasons
Did you know that 97% of consumers now rely on the internet to find local businesses? If your business isn’t online, it’s likely missing out on valuable leads and sales. In today’s digital age, having a website isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. Let’s dive into why a website is crucial for your local business to stay competitive, build trust, and drive sales.
1. The Internet Is the First Place Customers Look for Local Businesses
The numbers don’t lie: 97% of consumers use the internet to find local businesses (Source: Search Engine Land). Whether people are searching for a nearby restaurant, a local plumber, or a boutique store, their first stop is typically a search engine. If your business isn’t showing up online, potential customers may never know you exist.
What this means for your business: Without a website, you’re effectively invisible to a vast majority of local consumers who are searching online. Having a website ensures that when people look for services you offer, they can easily find and learn about your business.
2. Mobile Searches Lead to In-Store Visits and Purchases
We live in a mobile-first world, and local searches on smartphones are more common than ever. In fact, 88% of local searches on mobile devices lead to a purchase (Source: Think with Google). When customers are on their phones looking for businesses nearby, they are often ready to act. But that’s not all: 76% of people who conduct a local search on their smartphone visit a physical store within 24 hours, and 28% of those searches result in a purchase (Source: Think with Google).
What this means for your business: Your website needs to be mobile-friendly. This will help you capture local customers on the go, providing them with the information they need to make an immediate purchase or visit.
3. Customers Use Google Maps to Find Businesses Near Them
When consumers are searching for a business to visit, 86% of them turn to Google Maps first (Source: Fit Small Business). Whether they’re looking for directions or simply checking out a business’s location, Google Maps has become an essential tool in the decision-making process.
What this means for your business: By having a website linked to your Google My Business profile, you can ensure that your business appears on Google Maps with accurate location information, hours of operation, and direct links to your site. This increases the chances of customers finding and visiting you in person.
4. Lack of a Website Could Mean Lost Customers
It may surprise you to learn that 62% of customers will ignore a business without a web presence (Source: Fit Small Business). In today’s digital world, people expect to be able to research businesses online before making a decision. Without a website, your business could appear untrustworthy or outdated.
What this means for your business: If you don’t have a website, potential customers may look elsewhere. A professional website isn’t just about marketing; it’s about building credibility and trust with your audience. It’s a critical tool for ensuring that you don’t lose business to competitors who are online.
5. A Website Builds Trust by Providing Easy Access to Contact Information
Customers want information quickly, and 73% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase from a business with easy-to-find contact details (Source: HubSpot). Whether it’s a phone number, email address, or physical location, having your contact information clearly displayed on your website makes it easier for customers to reach out and buy from you.
What this means for your business: A website provides a convenient platform for you to display your contact information, ensuring that potential customers can easily get in touch. When customers don’t have to search for ways to contact you, they’re more likely to make a purchase or visit your physical store.
Conclusion
The numbers are clear: a website is no longer optional for local businesses. It’s an essential tool for attracting customers, building credibility, and driving sales. Whether you’re a restaurant, retailer, or service provider, having an online presence ensures that you’re visible when local consumers are searching for the products and services you offer.
If you don’t have a website, you’re missing out on a large portion of your potential customer base. And if your website isn’t optimized for mobile or search engines, you may not be capturing as many leads as you could.
Ready to build a website that attracts and converts customers? If you’re looking to enhance your online presence, I can help. Contact me today to get started on creating a website that not only showcases your business but also drives real results.
