18 October 2023 4:39 pmWith 2024 just around the corner (yes really…) you might be wondering, "Do company websites still matter in this age of AI and social media?" Well, grab a coffee, sit back, and let me break down the key reasons why your website will be really important in 2024 and beyond.
First Impressions
Let’s start with this: where do your customers search for a new product or service? The answer is almost always Google. What do they find? Company websites! Just like judging a book by its cover, people judge a business by its website, even if they’ve been referred to you by a friend or family member.
So, if your website looks like it was designed during the dial-up era, is hard or impossible to read on a mobile device, or just looks a bit ‘unloved’ you’ll be making a very poor first impression.
Google's BFF? SEO
Ever heard of ‘SEO’? Of course, you have! It stands for Search Engine Optimisation, and it's the way we get your business noticed on Google. If you want to be top of search results, then you’d better have the website tools and content in place. Good SEO practice is about making your website as attractive to Google as it is to potential customers. SEO results take time but the sooner you start…
It's Your Online HQ
Your website is like the heart and soul of your online presence. It's where you should house all the most important information about your company – from overviews, to services and blog posts. Your contact information is there, details about your products, maybe even about your team and their expertise. Having all your info neatly organised in one place? Now, that's just practical and shows you know what you’re doing.
E-commerce
E-commerce is how people shop. Yes, there are some purchases that require a bit more human interaction, but even pricey items are bought online now - every hour of every day. (rather than everyday) If you're selling anything that you can ship, then you should at least offer online sales on your website, even if you still encourage customers to visit your premises. Remember, travel to a physical store, especially one in a city, is simply not possible, or at least not economical, for some customers.
Trust is the Key
In the wild west of the online world, trust is everything. A well-designed and regularly updated website builds confidence and trust. It tells your customers you're not a new fly-by-night operation, you’re an efficient and productive company that can be trusted with their money. So, don't let your website gather digital cobwebs – keep it fresh!
Data, Data, Data
Your website is not just for making sales; it's a data goldmine. You can see who's visiting, where they’re from, what they like and how they found you. Importantly, you can see what they were looking at before they left. It's like having a mystery shopper that you don't have to pay! All that data is priceless for tailoring your marketing strategies, evaluating what you sell and how you communicate. Your website is gathering data all the time. Are you making use of it? You should be!
So, there you have it! In 2024, your company website will still be as relevant as ever, perhaps even more so. It's your digital business card, your 24/7 salesman, and a research toolbox all in one. While tech trends may come and go, your website remains the most important marketing tool you have. So, give it some love, make it look good, and watch your business flourish.
