Importance of Websites | Company Credibility & Brand Identification

Growth Rate of the Internet

With over 2.2 billion people online, the internet has revolutionized how we find and share information. The online world is moving at a rapid pace as there is a massive increase in the growth rate of the internet, and this behaviour doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing. Not only is it now our primary source of information, but it has revolutionized the way businesses operate and communicate with customers. 

For businesses, a web presence has become a fundamental part of success as having a professional looking website that successfully and effectively showcases your brand and company is the best way to grab the attention of not only potential, but also current clients and customers to build long-lasting relationships. The importance of websites should not be looked down upon as according to the Small Business Administration, small businesses with websites experience on average 39% greater annual revenue than those without websites. Such sites have massive impacts on company credibility, brand identification, and are vital in the process of creating a reliable brand.

Different Types of Website for Your Business

As far as marketing assets go, websites should be the focal point of all advertising and marketing for all businesses, no matter how big or small your business is. There are so many different types and designs of company sites that you can choose and use to make sure that your choice is best suited for your business. You can customize your website depending on your company, your needs, as well as what you want to emphasize for your clients and customers to know. For example, if you have a finance business, then take a look at this article by FTAdviser showing some of the best designs for finance websites. For the best website, think about your company brand, business strengths, as well as what you want the website to do for you. 

Are my customers online?

For some businesses with a more specific target market (e.g. the elderly), they might wonder if their target customers are even using the internet and if a website would be relevant  for their business. According to Pew Research Center, a full 82% of 65 to 69 year olds are internet users. As well as this, while your primary consumer might not be avid internet users, your customer who purchases or studies about your company might (e.g. children of the elderly, caretakers, etc). So while the older market segment groups might not be as tech-savvy as the younger generations, it is still better to have a website and a company online presence than to not. 

Establish Business Credibility

When consumers can’t find a company online, it often raises a red flag in the perspective of the customer. Does this company really exist? Can I trust them? Are they trying to scam me? Nowadays, people are more skeptical than ever. Even when consumers don’t purchase online, they research and study the business, company, and their products before they buy in real life. In fact, according to a Nielsen Advertising Survey conducted in 2012, 58% of global online consumers said they are more likely to trust a company with “owned media,” such as a company with a website, versus one who doesn’t. When you have a good online site, it gives people a peace of mind about your business as it provides company credibility. Whether you’re selling a product or service, or simply providing information, it’s important for your business to have a web presence in order to establish credibility to become a reliable brand that your customers can trust and purchase from.

Building Your Brand

A website lets you brand your business like never before. Websites give you unlimited freedom to determine how your business looks to your customers. Websites are flexible and can grow as your business evolves, and they also allow your business to be available around the clock, even during off business hours. Add to this that websites are one of the most cost-effective tools available and it’s obvious why so many businesses now leverage a website.

Branding through the web will help you develop a stronger reputation to millions around the world. Potential customers will be able to research your business and find good reviews about the product or service you provide. In fact, consumers say they trust online consumer reviews second from personal recommendations (Nielsen Advertising Survey, 2012). Think of your website as an extension of your sales staff, helping you nurture and generate leads by educating people on your products or services.

Increased Shareability for Word of Mouth Marketing

With a website, you make it easy for consumers to share your business. With a simple link, they can instantly share and access your business, brand, resources, and information to friends and family, making use of word of mouth marketing through increased shareability. With social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, it’s now even easier for people to share things they love and recommend.

Word of mouth marketing has and always will be the most trusted form of advertisement. 92% of consumers around the world say they trust earned media, such as word-of-mouth and recommendations from friends and family, above all other forms of advertising (Nielsen Advertising Survey 2012). Websites can serve as a central destination point for potential customers to learn more about why your business is so great.

Want to start on building a great website? Check out WittyCookie’s web development and design service!

For more on the benefits of websites for businesses, check out our previous blog on the Top 10 Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Website.