In today’s digital age, having a website is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses, especially for those looking to boost local sales. While many people think that websites are only beneficial for e-commerce or global companies, the truth is that local businesses can also gain significant traffic from having a well-designed, functional website. Here are compelling reasons why a website can help increase local sales for small businesses.
Increased Visibility
Having a website means you’re open for business 24/7. Unlike a physical store that has operating hours, a website is always available. Potential customers don’t have to plan around their day to see when you are open. Contact forms on websites are a great way for business owners to have customers contact them, no matter the time of day. This will increase the chances of making a sale even when your physical store is closed. As a business owner myself, we can’t be everywhere at once all of the time… As much as we would like to.
Local SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) isn’t just for large companies. Local SEO can help your business show up in local search results & attract customers to your business. When someone in your area searches for your products or services, your website can appear in the search results, driving more local traffic to your business.
For example, I will look up “Best Pizza Near Me ” if I’m traveling to Denver. I will almost always choose the top 3 options. Another example if I want to find the best furniture store near me, I would look up Best Iowa City Furniture Store.
Having a Google My Business is a must for Local SEO. I recently wrote a blog that can elaborate more on the benefits.
Read More: Why a Google Business Profile is Necessary for a Small Business
Credibility & Trust
Customer testimonials
- One of the most effective ways to build trust is through customer testimonials. Real 5-star reviews from real people go a long way in convincing potential customers that you’re the right choice. Featuring these on your website can significantly influence the decision-making process of local consumers. Get these from Yelp, Google and Facebook.
Certifications and Awards
- If your business has received any local or industry-specific certifications or awards, your website is the perfect place to showcase them. These accolades serve as third-party endorsements, further boosting your credibility which will lead to more sales. It’s okay to brag a little:)
Cost-Effective Marketing
Traditional forms of advertising like newspaper ads or billboards can be expensive and may not always reach your target audience because they are outdated. A website is a cost-effective way to market your business to your target market. It can be easily updated to feature promotions, new products, or services, attracting local customers who are already interested in what you have to offer.
I usually charge $1,500-$3,500 for websites. This can be scary to some business owners at first but billboards can cost up to $15,000 a month. Most people don’t even look at it. Websites have low monthly costs and yearly fees and reach the target audience that makes you money.
Convivence for Customers
A website allows local customers to browse your products or services from the comfort of their homes, making it more convenient for them to make a purchase decision. They can also find essential information like your business hours, location, and contact details easily, making it simpler for them to visit your physical store. This saves the customer time & you time as a business owner.
It’s Win-Win situation!
Social Proof
Your website should feature reviews and testimonials from other prior local customers, providing social proof that can influence new customers. Positive reviews can significantly impact local sales, as people are more likely to trust a business that has been endorsed by others in their community.
My advice is to always ask past customers to leave you a 5 Star Google or Facebook review. I personally have got multiple leads saying that say my 5 star reviews and wanted to inquire about my services.
Analytics for Better Targeting
Websites offer valuable analytics/stats that will help you understand your local customer base better. You can see which products or services are most popular, how people are finding your website, and what their behavior is once they’re there. This data can be used to make informed decisions that boost local sales. You will be able to see how much web traffic you have a month & if you use an Iowa City SEO agency you will what keywords you are ranking for.
Competitive Advantage
Many small, local businesses may not have a web presence, giving you a significant advantage. A website will help you stand out among local competitors, attracting more customers and ultimately increasing sales. Having a website is necessary in 2023, especially in the Iowa City area.
As a business owner, you have to spend money to make money! I work with the best BJJ school in Iowa City & the owners have told me that having a website has helped them grow exponentially.
If you’re a local business in Iowa City looking to boost your local sales, Charipar Web Services is here to help. Owned and operated by Logan Charipar, we specialize in web design, website maintenance, and SEO services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses in the Iowa City area.
Why Choose Us?
Local Expertise: Being based in North Liberty, Iowa, we understand the local market and customer behavior, enabling us to create web solutions that resonate with your target audience.
Comprehensive Services: From designing a brand-new website to maintaining your existing one, and optimizing it for search engines, we offer a one-stop solution for all your web needs.
Quality and Reliability: Our commitment to quality and reliability has made us a trusted name in the Iowa City business community. We take pride in delivering projects on time and exceeding client expectations.
Affordable Packages: We offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
How We Can Help
North Liberty Web Design: We create visually appealing, user-friendly websites that reflect your brand and engage local customers.
Website Maintenance: Keep your website up-to-date and secure with our maintenance services, ensuring a seamless user experience.
SEO: Our SEO strategies are designed to improve your website’s visibility in local search results, driving more traffic and ultimately increasing sales.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to boost your local sales through an effective web presence. Contact Charipar Web Services today to find out how we can help your Iowa City business succeed online.
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