Simple, inexpensive websites are often the go-to for small businesses, but at some point you will need to seriously consider the advantages of a customized website. The ability to customize not only your website design, but what your website can do, may be necessary for the success of your business.
Better Marketing
Effectively marketing a small business is complex, because you need to be active on different platforms that people frequently use to find and support businesses. Many free website templates are redundant and do not incorporate features that can assist in marketing, such as SEO, analytics, and social media integration. When you have a custom website, your website automatically looks more professional instead of looking like other novice and abandoned websites. Additionally, your website developer can integrate back-end tools that help you gain a better understanding of how your website is doing in rankings and visitors, so it is easier to know where changes need to be made. Integration with your social media platforms, such as cross-posting, can help visitors know both your website and social media accounts are active.
More Economical
For some small business, the investment in a custom website will pay for itself over using third-party solutions for your business. In some instances, small businesses rely extensively on other websites to sell their products. Although the use of third-parties can increase your visibility, you may be losing money by not having these capabilities on your website. Most small businesses have the goal of using third-parties less and eventually transitioning to using their website exclusively. To start making this transition, you will need a custom website that is capable of displaying your offerings to consumers and allowing them to place orders. When more of your business transactions are done through your website, there is also less risk concerning what would happen to some or all of your customers if your third-party suddenly went out of business.
Room For Growth
There is nothing wrong with wanting to remain a small business, but for some businesses, they want the opportunity to grow. Regardless of what you think the goals for your business will be in the coming years, it is hard to scale your business if you are exclusively relying on free or inexpensive website templates. When you have a custom website, your developer is familiar with your business and as your business needs change, it will be faster and easier to scale your website to meet the demands. In some instances, scaling your business may require a complete overhaul of your website, including the content management system. Often times, the more robust content management systems are complicated to use and will require the knowledge from a website developer to create the website you truly want.
Having a custom website in the beginning may not be feasible for all small businesses, but it is an investment you need to consider. As the opportunity presents itself, all small businesses should start investing in their future with a custom website.
Share12 September 2019
Hi. My name is Gerald Jones. Thanks for stopping by my website. I have owned a small retail business for about fifteen years now. I started out with only a physical location, and then a few years later built a website and started selling online. The one thing I have learned is that you have to market your business to be successful. Gone are the days where people find you in the yellow pages of the phone book. Competition is fierce, but it’s not impossible to thrive. Online marketing is probably the most important advertising a business can have. Learning how to market online can be challenging, but if I can do it, anyone can! I’m going to share more about the importance of online marketing and how to get started. Hope you find this information to be of value.