Websites are not a new thing, with many large companies launching their first website around1995, and by the early 2000’s, we were seeing more and more, along with the launch of several social platforms. I vaguely recall using the world wide web as a resource at one of my first jobs back in 1999. Then in 2001, I actually worked on updating the company website.

My interest grew when I landed a job in London working with global entertainment companies, who were churning out ‘microsites’ for each film, DVD or game release. It was exciting launching web experiences that hadn’t been seen before or using new software developments for the first time. Then came the dizzying world of smartphones and social media apps.

Of course these days, it’s all around us, with smartphones attached to us almost 24/7 and internet access available wherever you go. It’s part of our daily lives, and an incredibly powerful resource that allows us to conduct our lives with more ease and efficiency than before. But we are all still incredibly busy too – work that one out!

If you’re still not convinced your business could benefit from a website then one of the reasons I’ve outlined below may be something to consider.

If you only have an Instagram or Facebook page for your business, then your customers will be unable to connect with you during that time unless they have your phone number or email on hand.

Of course, websites can also experience outages, but if you’re with a reputable web host, these outages are very unusual and only occur for a few minutes (in my years of experience). Therefore, not relying on a platform that is out of your control minimizes the online downtime of your business.

3. A website can lay out information in an easy and simple format.

Recently, I was looking for a place to have lunch for a group of 8, which included 2 vegans and a toddler. So the restaurant had to be suitable for a toddler, as well as have vegan options on the menu. I also wanted to be able to book online for convenience. Over the course of 2 days, when I had 5 minutes to look for a restaurant in between working and looking after that aforementioned toddler, I became very frustrated that most of these places only had a Facebook page. That meant I could not find their menu in many cases, and the only way to contact them was to call.

Therefore you can’t assume your target market is on one of these platforms searching for your services.

Speaking personally, I’ve never searched for products or services on Facebook or Instagram, though that’s not to say I’ve not ‘discovered’ businesses I like on there. So I think there is huge merit for having a social media presence, but being discoverable on Google with a website opens your potential customer base up to those who don’t have their own socials.

5. Websites are more widely searchable

Investing in a very well built website that is Search Engine Optimised (SEO) is a much better long term investment than relying on social media activity to be found by your customers. You have to work very hard and invest a lot of time (or money) to keep up with the Facebook and/or Instagram algorithm (which changes often) in order to have visibility.

If you have your business only on social platforms and they are down (or your customers aren’t using them) then the above also applies. 

On top of that, there’s loads of other benefits, such as having a professional email address to use, a contact form for people to fill out, being able to provide google directions to your location, making price lists or menus immediately available to view/download, and the ability to link to online booking systems, and other social networks you have.

Article written by Louise Theo, Co-founder of Webbie.com.au & Divine Digital, with 15+ years experience in the digital advertising industry.

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