The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all businesses around the world, particularly small independents. During this time, when your physical doors have to be closed due to the country-wide lockdown, having a website can be a vital tool to help your business carry on.

 

Did you know that 94% of people in the UK search online when trying to find local businesses? So, if your business is not online, you could be losing out on potential clients. But if you are, you could thrive. It's never too late to get started.

 

Making and creating a website is an incredibly effective method to grow your business and reach both new and existing clients. A website gives you many extraordinary advantages; it provides you with a shop front window on the digital high street, makes it easier for people to find your business and can increase the potential for new deals channeled through e-commerce systems much like Amazon.

 

 

 

1. Customers will find you easily

 

With almost all businesses physically closed during the lockdown, everyone will be looking for businesses who are still operating online. People searching on Google will simply not find you if you don’t have a website.

 

2. Your competitors are online

 

Most retailers have a website. When clients are scanning for products and services, they are pulled into the businesses that offer the products they want, nearest to their location. If your business is not online, potential customers will find your competitors first.

 

3. A website makes your business more trustworthy

 

Utilising a professional website and email address expands the range of your business and upgrades your image and high street credibility.

 

4. Ensure you're open 24/7

 

Clients hope to peruse and enquire about things whenever, wherever, all day, every day. This is the new standard. Making your business continually accessible with an online presence is a simple method to guarantee your retail store is never shut.

 

5. Communicate with your customers

 

A website and social presence can help you to communicate with your clients and energise deals, and you’ll also have the option to share and showcase the extraordinary things your clients are saying about your business!