Building a Website for your business: 5 common myths
As a small business owner, you may find yourself holding back from building a professional website, or outsourcing your site to a website developer. You’ve probably heard that websites are hard to build, don’t provide value, and are too expensive.
There are some common misconceptions about building and running a website, that may have caused you to put it in the “too hard” pile. As with many things, the truth doesn’t always line up with the anecdotes you’ve probably heard.
Given the situation many businesses are facing regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, moving your business online is now more important than ever. GippsTech have priced and designed their services to fit in with most government grants which are available to help you during this difficult time. You can read more about how to get funding for your new website Here.
But right now, let’s talk about the myths, and look at the realities.
Myth 1: Running a business website is too hard for most people
When it comes to operating a website, or making changes or edits to your site, it’s important to understand that you don’t need to be an IT professional or spend time and money on extensive training.
While there is no substitute for a professionally designed site which is easy to use across all devices (2), understand that your website developer will train you in all the tools you need to know to make small edits and updates yourself.
Like anything, once you learn how to do it, it becomes easier each time. You don’t have to have any special skills, or know how to program. If you can update social media, you can learn how to update a website.
Myth 2: Your business website will automatically show up on Google
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is an integral part of your website. By ensuring your website can be found on Google and other search engines, you will enhance your reach, putting your business in front of customers or clients who may not have otherwise heard of you. What many people don’t realise is that your website must be designed with SEO in mind right from the start. It’s much harder, and more expensive, to go back and fix your SEO later than it is to get it right from the beginning (4).
Without great SEO, your website will simply be a pretty page with minimal visits.
Without great SEO, your website will simply be a pretty page with minimal visits.
Myth 3: “I don’t need a business website, I’m not selling anything”
75% of people judge a company’s credibility based on website design (3).
While you may operate a service based business, your website can add value and present information that a customer may not have found elsewhere. Incorporating FAQ’s, “About Us” sections and blogs into your site means a potential client can find what they want to know about you and make an informed decision to purchase from you.
75% of people judge a company’s credibility based on their website design (3).
Myth 4: Animations, sounds and graphics will make my business website more enticing
While it can be exciting to design a website which is shiny and pretty, unnecessary functions that do not benefit the end user can get in the way of what you are truly trying to say (2).
Coupled with this, sites with complicated animations, videos and graphics can take longer to load. A study completed by Google found that 53% of website visits are abandoned if a mobile site takes longer than three seconds to load. For every one second delay in load time, conversation falls by 12% (3).
Keep your website clean and crisp, and use functions and features which will help your potential customers decide to purchase your products or services.
53% of website visits are abandoned if your mobile site takes more than 3 seconds to load.
Myth 5: Business websites cost too much to build and maintain
Website design and hosting fees can vary depending on a large number of factors; your website building platform, standard inclusions within the platform, security and maintenance updates, and customised features.
But compared to other marketing and advertising expenses, websites are a very affordable way to help you connect with potential customers, and stand out from your competition.
If you would like to learn more about building a website with our team at GippsTech, we are offering free 30 minute consultations to discuss your specific wants and needs, and how you may be eligible for grant funding to help grow your online presence.
References:
“7 Common Myths About Having a Website”, Freshpage Digital Media, https://www.freshpage.com/7-common-myths-about-having-website
“Web Design Myths: Debunking the 10 Most Common Misconceptions About Websites”, Updated June 14, 2019, Trajectory, https://www.trajectorywebdesign.com/blog/web-design-myths-debunking-the-10-most-common-misconceptions-about-websites/
Betsy McLeod, “75+ Small Business Statistics to Help Your Digital Marketing Strategy”, Blue Corona, November 26, 2019, https://www.bluecorona.com/blog/29-small-business-digital-marketing-statistics/
Marcus Miller, “SEO and Website Design: Everything You Need to Know”, April 19, 2017, Search Engine Land, https://searchengineland.com/seo-website-design-everything-need-know-272899