Don’t have a company website? Here’s why you need one.

The Internet has become ubiquitous, it is part of almost everything we do. We go online to make restaurant reservations, connect with old friends and new colleagues, share pictures, and search for jobs and services. But some small businesses still don’t have a web presence. We asked our friend Nicole Krug—founder of Social Light, a digital marketing company focused on small businesses—why a company website is so important and how to improve your web presence without breaking the bank.

Last fall, I came across a statistic from the U.S. Census Bureau—only 53 percent of small businesses have websites. While there isn’t a direct correlation between having a website and seeing increased revenues, websites can still be a critical part of your success. Here are a few reasons why small businesses need websites:

• Provides validation and credibility. Having a website legitimizes your business. No matter the size of your company, if you have a professional, well-designed site, you can compete with any business around the world.
• Serves as an important marketing tool. When people hear about your company, the very first thing they do is look is look you up online. Your website often delivers the first impression of your company. Though you can’t control the Internet or the media, you can control your website, so make it strong and clear.
• Gives you exposure and scale. There are more than 2 billion people online and your website has a much greater reach than you do as an individual. Automate sales and service functions and you can serve the masses through your site.
• Operates 24/7. Unlike you, your website is available all the time. It doesn’t need sleep or a coffee break and is always ready to take customer inquiries, serve up information, and deliver a consistent message to everyone.

I realize I’m biased because I not only make small business websites, I also help business owners get the most out of their websites. But I strongly believe that your company could benefit from a website. If you’re putting it off because of cost or complexity, there are options out there and designers and developers at every price point. Here are three tips for how you can save money on your web design:

1. Do your research. A website is a major endeavor. Before you get started, figure out what you really want out of your website.

2. Communicate. Once you know what you want out of your website, make sure you communicate that vision to the web designer. Putting together drafts and making revisions costs money. If you want to keep your costs down be as descriptive a possible and share examples of what you like.

3. Have cash available. Rather than stretch out your web design over several months with a monthly budget, establish a set amount you can spend up front. The truth is that something like a website will never be absolutely perfect. There will always be things to tweak or additions to make. I find my clients who allocated cash for a website project not only save money, but are ultimately happier with the end result. You can always add bells and whistles at a later point.

I understand the struggle to make ends meet as a business owner, but if you’re not online I guarantee you are losing money to your competitors who are getting better exposure online. Schedule a consultation with me and I’ll help you figure out how a website could benefit your business.