9 reasons why every local business should-have a website in 2019

1. 9 Reasons why every local business should have a website in 2019. Lately I have seen so many local businesses pop- ping up on Google search results, it made me think “Is a website really important for local business? after all, their customers are local and there is a constant contact with them”. I pondered over it and did some research and here is what is found. But that in completely incorrect. You will need a website now like never before. I saw that all search engines like FourSquare, Yelp, and Google too are going local and promoting local business and providing people with more local results than ever before. If you stay in New Berns, USA and search from your home, thanks to GPS tracking etc, you will see a lot of local results showing local shops, events and activities. Along with the result, you will see a lot of reviews by local customers and a lot of special offers and easy payment options. Local businesses have a small business and most of their clients are locally based, coming from the neighbourhood. They have good ongoing business and not looking for to get more customers or sales. They feel that local people will not visit their web- site as there is no need to. Citing the above rea- sons, they feel that there is no need for a website as it will incur an additional expense. After doing a through research, I have found that the following reason why you just need a website for your local business. Sumeet Shroff www.prateeksha.com

2. 1 You need to be found in all Search Engines 5. Your store Information One of the primary reasons for having a website is that most of all your potential customers use the internet to search for everything under the sun. From local pharmacists, grocery, bakery, restaurants, tops, food, barbers to local doctors, nurses etc. There are more than 3.5 billion searches conducted on Google every day. They use the internet like they used to use the phone book. More than 97 percent of consumers are search online to find a local business and if you want to be found then you need a website. You can provide a lot of helpful information regarding your store or products on your website which otherwise they would not have not known. Like exact location, driving maps, working hours, discounts, offers etc. 6. Your website is one of the best Marketing tools A business website gives you another marketing chan- nel that is available 24/7 and full year. With a website, you get online presence and chance to announce your products and services to people and another way for people to find you. 2. Builds Credibility and Brand Value 7. Online Communities and Customer Network People are turned off by businesses that have no web- site. Website is a common thing and social media are a daily habit. People will feel that the business with no web presence is not tech-savvy enough and will not provide them with good service. You can build an online communities, blogs, comments and reviews of your products on your website. You can build good network of customer which will help your business grow. 3. Showcase your services and products. 8. Website is more affordable than offline advertis- ing Consumers frequently look for information on prod- ucts on the net. They are fond of new technologies and latest products and look for new features that are never seen before. If your website showcases such products and offer special offers and discounts then you are bound to be found by the consumers. A listing in Yellow Pages or Local Magazine can costs a bundle as print is not cheap. The shelf life of the book is limited and your advertisement does not last for long. Money is better spent on online listing of your website in Online Directories and Business Directories. A website is more affordable than offline advertising. 4. Ecommerce and Online Payments This far most the important reason to have a website. Ecommerce spending is gaining every year. Consum- ers want online payment options so that they can complete the purchase online. A lot of commercial transactions happen on the net whether it is B2B or B2C business transactions. Buyers prefer to finalize his/her purchase by making the payment online to complete the transaction. 9. All your competitors have websites. Competition is getting bitterly fierce these days. Your competitors are using all digital changes to connect to potential customers. Consumers do ample research and search for recommendations from forums and social network before they make a purchase. Author : Sumeet Shroff Sumeet Shroff www.prateeksha.com