In a year when people are spending more time at home and online than ever before, having a professionally designed website for your business has never been more important. Yet many small business owners wonder why they need a website, assuming free social media sites are just as good.
“Can’t I just have a Facebook page?“
Yes, but if you have aspirations of growing your business, maybe the better question is, “Should I just have a Facebook page?” The answer is no…not if you want to build an effective presence online, optimize your exposure to potential customers, and turn current customers into repeat customers.
Which is why it is time to take ownership of your work and client list with a professionally designed website.
4 Reasons To Have a Professionally Designed Website
Still need a little convincing? Here are four reasons why owning and maintaining a professional website should be a priority for your business.
1. You gain instant credibility.
Think about the first thing you do when you hear of a new business. Chances are, you Google it. If you immediately find the business you searched for, with a professionally designed website and not just a Facebook page, you know the business is serious.
We like to call this social proof – the way for people to know your business is legitimate. An effective, professional website gives you instant credibility.
It proves you have invested in your business and are intentional about not just having an online presence but owning your online presence. When comparing a professionally designed website to a free social media profile, the latter just doesn’t stack up.
2. You control your brand message.
Have you noticed that all social media profiles look the same? The pictures and background colors may differ, but the basic layout and template are the same, page after page with little options for customization.
As the business owner, you are in control of the presence you establish online and the brand message you present to customers. Only your own website allows you to personalize every detail to be consistent with your messaging. From logos and fonts to tone and strategy, the options are endless with a professionally designed website, making it easy to stay on brand.
3. You own your content.
Here is the bad news – the content you post on a free social media profile does not belong to you. The logo you designed, the photos you uploaded, and the posts you thoughtfully drafted can all be removed by a social media site. And if they take down your profile, all of your content is gone.
With a professional website, you take ownership of all content within your online space. This includes the design, visuals, articles, client testimonials, and product information. Anything you post is yours to keep.
You work hard to create your content. Make sure you own it!
4. You own your audience.
Remember all the content Facebook can remove in the blink of an eye? This includes your client list, if you are solely using “likes” and “follows” to connect with your audience. It is hard to beat the value of an email list full of potential customers, so be certain you control a master copy of your email addresses and distribution list.
If potential clients are engaging with you, they are interested in what you have to offer. Do not risk losing their information, and potential sales, by putting the data in someone else’s hands.
Own your online presence with a professionally designed website
Don’t just have an online presence. Own your online presence with a professionally designed website. Take ownership of your branding, content and client list, and watch your business thrive.
Already have a website and just need to spruce it up?
Download our FREE WORKBOOK to help you pinpoint the areas of your website that need some attention. It is filled with practical, actionable steps you can apply today!
With thousands of websites competing for attention, it can be overwhelming to cut through the noise and get a site that works. At Open Sky, we have a plan to build clean, effective sites every time, leaving you confident and ready to grow.
Ready to chat more about the possibilities? Let’s talk! We offer a FREE 15 minute, no-strings-attached consultation.
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