Small businesses often rely on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to establish their online presence. While these platforms can be useful for marketing, they are not a sufficient investment in your online presence. Here are some reasons why a small business should consider having a professional website in addition to using Instagram:
- Professionalism: Having a website demonstrates that a business is professional and dedicated to its craft. A website can provide important information about a business, such as its location, hours of operation, and products or services offered. This can give potential customers confidence in the business and make them more likely to choose it over a competitor.
- Searchability: A professional website can be optimised for search engines, making it easier for customers to find the business online. This is especially important for businesses that rely on local customers, as search engines often prioritize local results.
- Control: A website allows a business to control its online presence and the information that is presented to customers. With a website, a business can present a cohesive brand message and tailor the information on the site to its target audience. On social media platforms like Instagram, businesses have less control over their content and the way it is presented.
- Functionality: A website can offer a range of functionalities that are not possible on Instagram. For example, a business can use its website to accept online orders, book appointments, or allow customers to sign up for newsletters. These features can make it easier for customers to interact with the business and can help drive sales.
- Measuring success: A website can provide valuable data about how well a business is doing online. Tools like Google Analytics can help a business track website traffic, understand its audience, and see how well its marketing efforts are paying off. This information can be used to make informed decisions about the business's online strategy and improve its performance.
- Credibility: A professional website can give a business credibility and establish it as a trustworthy source of information. Customers are more likely to trust a business with a well-designed website than one without one.
- Long-term stability: Social media platforms like Instagram can come and go, but a website is a long-term investment that a business owns. This can give a business more stability and control over its online presence.
- User Experience: Users may become frustrated or lose interest when viewing an Instagram account if they are only able to see a limited amount of content before being prompted to log in. This can be a problem for small businesses that rely solely on Instagram for their online presence, as only about 50% of people in Ireland have an Instagram account, and up to 30% of those accounts may be inactive. This means that by limiting yourself to Instagram, you may be frustrating potential customers who are trying to find out more about your business.
While Instagram can be a valuable marketing tool for businesses, it should not be the only online presence for a small business. A professional website can provide a range of benefits that can help a business attract and retain customers and build a strong online presence.
