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In 2024, 71% of small businesses had a website. And it’s no wonder — online presence is pretty much required for business to thrive. However, 29% of businesses are still reluctant to build a website for various reasons. Some think it’s not cheap, some are convinced their business is doing fine without it.
Let’s try to figure out how to build a website for a business and is it worth it.
The benefits of building your own website
In short, building a website for your company increases its visibility and growth. A more extensive answer lies in the following.
Increased visibility
Having a webpage makes your business visible to an audience 24/7. Since most people tend to shop online, it helps customers find your products and services and services without heavy investments in traditional real-world advertisements.
Credibility gain
If you manage to match user expectations, you’ll have an easier time gaining more online customers. A good-looking and optimised website is perceived as trustworthy and professional.
Clear communication with users
Think of your website as the heart of your company’s branding. On it, you can communicate your business’s values, mission and proposition. Additionally, it’s a place where you can integrate strategies like content marketing or social media presence.
Lead generation
Company websites attract new leads through various call-to-action methods. For example, you can convert visitors into customers by encouraging users to contact you, sign up for a service, or request a quote.
Access to a broader customer base
If your company sells goods or services, the website will serve as an e-commerce platform, opening up your business to a new market. Since the e-commerce market’s revenue in 2024 reached 411,6 billion USD alone, expanding your business in this direction will greatly impact your revenue.
Better communication
Your company website is a place where your customers can find the needed support, such as FAQs, contact forms, chats, and help sections. The more helpful information your website has, the higher customer satisfaction will be.
Insight generation
Another benefit of a company website is the amount of data you can gather by analysing traffic and user behaviour. This will give you an idea of what attracts new users and how they engage with your company, which can later be used for website improvements.
Cost-effective marketing
Traditional advertising, such as real-world ad banners, tv and radio ads have less reach and higher cost compared to digital advertising. For example, in this report the average cost per action for a 30 second TV ad baries from 16$ to 45$, while digital ads — from 8$ to 40$. Having a website empowers you to create more effective and cheaper marketing campaigns.
Showcase products and services
A website is a convenient way for your customers to see your offerings without visiting a physical store. A detailed description, images, videos, and customer feedback will help your new customers understand the value of your products.
Scalability and flexibility
A company website will generate new customers, leading to business growth. At the same time, the growth opens up new business opportunities. A website can reflect these changes, which will generate even more new customers in return.
In summary
The importance of having a company website cannot be overstated. It opens up new market opportunities, creates a convenient shopping experience for your customers, and serves as a place to build communication with your user base.
Knowing what a website can do for you, let’s talk about how to build one.
9 steps for building a company website
Step 1: Define the website’s purpose
To start, you need to decide what your website is supposed to do and how you want it to operate. Building an online shop isn’t the same as building a forum.
Think about what type of information you want your website to contain: static facts about your business and products or dynamic updates on your company’s latest changes. Keep in mind that you will need additional resources for regular website updates.
The strict definition purpose will help you build the starting audience and serve as a foundation for expanding your website in the future.
Step 2: Domain acquisition
A domain name is like an ID card—it contains information about who controls the website and which administrative authority it belongs to. Every website must have a domain name.
A general rule is to use either your company name or something closely related. After coming up with a domain name, choose a domain type. The type will determine the website’s availability in different countries and the cost.
The most popular domains to choose are:
- com.
- net.
- org.
- co.
- us.
After choosing a domain name and a type, you need to purchase it from a domain registrar.
Step 3: Building a website
There are two ways to deal with website development: use the services of a web development company or build a website on your own.
If you chose a web development company, explain the purpose and the goal you expect to see.
Building a website on your own is also an option since there are website builders on the Internet. Make sure the chosen website builder offers the features you need. For example, an online store should have a shopping cart, images of the items, and a checkout system.
Regardless of the method you chose, make sure your site works equally well on desktop and mobile interfaces.
Step 4: Add quality-of-life features
In case you’re building an online store, include convenient elements for users, such as a shopping cart or purchase history. Check the reviews to learn more about customer response to the new features.
Step 5: Security
If you’re building an online store, you will handle customers’ financial information. For this reason, you need trustworthy third-party payment software and robust security measures.
Step 6: Select a web host
A web host maintains your website and makes it accessible to users worldwide. When choosing a web host, consider the following:
- Host’s location as it might affect the website’s loading speed;
- The reliability of the chosen web host and any guarantees offered;
- Which type of hosting were you offered: shared or dedicated;
- Data security measures, such as encryption and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer);
- What mail services are included, and what are the space limitations;
- Payment format: upfront, monthly, or annual;
- A web host’s support offer.
Step 7: Add useful information
Make sure your website has all the relevant information for users to learn about you. Add pages such as:
About us: gives users an understanding of your business’ history and mission;
Online shop: in case you’re building an online store, include a page displaying your products and their descriptions;
Contact us: gives users a way to get in touch with your business via email, phone or social media
Services page: If you’re a service provider, you’ll need a page describing your services and each service separately.
Step 8: Optimise your website
You need to make your website visible to search engines and accessible to people with disabilities. Analytics tools, such as Google Analytics, can help you check its performance.
Such tools will show you the number of users coming to your website, how often they visit, and from where.
This will give you an idea of the website’s performance and generate insights on improving it.
Step 9: Join up your marketing efforts
Consider integrating your website with your marketing campaigns. For example, exchange newsletters for user email addresses and keep in touch with them.
Ideally, you want to integrate an automated newsletter that automatically sends follow-up emails to everyone who has shown interest in your whitepaper or product.
Some systems can even remind users that they left an item in their basket as a nudge to complete the purchase.
Final words
Having a company website is a day and night difference for business. It brings so much value compared to traditional advertising methods — and it’s cheaper, too.
Last year, almost every second business had a website because it’s just that valuable to have it. Knowing how to maintain and grow your online presence is key to business success in today’s digital age.
How Altamira can help
Bring your ideas to life with our bespoke UI/UX web development services. Collaborating with a team of experts leads to:
- An increase in conversion rates: 86% of users move directly to the product page once they’re on the website. We put ourselves in the customer’s position, that’s why each product is introduced in its appealing way;
- Raise site visit duration: 38% of customers will leave a website if it’s unattractive. Our clear UI directs users through the site to the desired products;
- Impress your users: A good colour scheme combined with corporate branding increase digital recognition by at least 80%. Therefore, we always choose stylish colour schemes and follow the latest design trends for app and web designs that will set you apart.
- Build a brand: 94% of users mistrust websites with bad design. Our team reinforces the website’s visual credibility and secures the trust of customers.
Get a free consultation and create a website that addresses all of your needs.
