You can’t deny it any longer – the world we are living in now is our, “new normal.” COVID-19 has taken our lives and turned them upside down. The way we live, and the way we work, have been changed dramatically. From social distancing and face masks, to online business and telecommuting. We are spending more and more of our time online. What does that mean for our businesses?
Small business has been hit hard with this pandemic. It is becoming clear that most businesses either have to move some, or all of their business online, or face closing. It’s just the reality of the situation that we are faced with. And while some may take this news as concerning, I see things differently. Don’t get me wrong, what is happening right now is terrible, but I am choosing to see this pandemic as the push that we need to change the way we are doing business. And if you are a small business owner who has yet to have a website – you should consider changing that.
As of early 2019, over a third (40%) of small businesses did NOT have a website. Of that 40%, 28% of those believe that a website is not relevant to their business. Even if you do not want to sell anything online, having a website that potential clients and customers can visit to learn more about you can mean the difference between having them do business with you or not.
When was the last time you were looking for a service or item to purchase and reached for your phone or laptop to do a Google search? How did you find the person or item you were looking for? Even if someone refers a business to you, chances are you will either Google their website, or search for them on social media to verify they exist, are credible, and/or have the item or service you need. That is why having an online presence is so important.
If your business has anything to do with selling goods, and you do not have a website, you are losing out on a LOT of potential business, as well. Two-thirds of all retail purchases are now made online – and that number is sure to rise with this pandemic. 88% of customers only make an in-person purchase after reading online reviews. A huge majority of the buying and selling of goods and services is done online now – and it is a trend that doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.
Once you realize how important it is to have a website, next comes another important question: How do I get one? How much is this going to cost me? That is where I come in. It is easier and more affordable than you may think. I am a graphic and web designer specializing in WordPress websites – and I would be happy to help you get your business online. Reach out to me if you want to learn more.