Can I Run My Business Without a Website? The answer: It Depends

In today’s digital age, the question of whether a business needs a website is more relevant than ever. The simple answer is: it depends. Whether or not a website is necessary for your business hinges on a variety of factors, and by asking yourself the right questions, you can determine if a website is the right move for your business.

Key Questions to Consider

1. Do I Lack a Brick & Mortar Store?
   • If you have a physical storefront, you can rely on passerbys and local traffic. However, a website can complement your business by providing an additional platform for customers to learn about your offerings, check store hours, and even place orders online. You can also start gaining sales from external sources.
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2. Am I Looking to Expand My Business?
   • If expansion is on your mind, a website can open up new markets by reaching customers who may not be able to visit your physical location. A website makes your business accessible 24/7, which can significantly broaden your customer base.
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3. Am I Getting Enough Traffic from Passersby?
   • If your business relies heavily on foot traffic, consider whether that traffic is sufficient to sustain and grow your business. If not, a website could help attract customers who are searching for products or services online.
   • For example, if you are a jewelry store in the diamond district, you may be getting enough traffic. But if you're looking to increase it, there's certainly many ways.
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4. Do I Sell Enough In-Person to Cover Overheads and Allow for Growth?
   • Assess whether your in-person sales are enough to not only cover your overhead costs but also provide the capital needed for growth. If your in-person sales are limited, a website could provide a valuable additional revenue stream.
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5. Am I Looking to Grow the Business?
   • If growth is a goal, a website is a critical tool for scaling. It can help you reach new customers, streamline operations, and even allow for automated sales processes.
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When to Consider Building a Website

If you answered yes to the majority of the above questions, it’s likely that investing in a website would be beneficial for your business. A well-designed website can help you expand your reach, enhance customer engagement, and ultimately, increase your sales.

However, if you answered no to most of these questions, it may not be necessary to invest in a website. Your business might be thriving through traditional means, and a website could represent an unnecessary expense without significant returns.
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The Benefits of Having a Website

Even if a website isn’t a pressing need, it’s important to understand the broader benefits a website can offer. According to statistics from a Forbes article:

• A new website is built every three seconds.
  • By the time you finish reading this article, approximately 200 new websites will have been created.
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• 71% of businesses have a website in 2023.
  • The trend toward online presence has only grown, particularly due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, making a website a key tool for competitiveness.
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• 29% of business is conducted online.
  • This reflects the increasing importance of e-commerce and digital presence in today’s business landscape.
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• 43% of small businesses plan to invest in their website performance.
  • This indicates a recognition of the potential for growth through a strong online presence.
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• 21% of business owners report low website traffic issues.
  • While having a website is important, ensuring it attracts visitors is equally crucial.
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• The average click-through rate is 6.64% across all industries.
  • This shows the importance of effective digital marketing in driving traffic to your website.
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• Users form an opinion about a website in 0.05 seconds.
  • First impressions are critical, highlighting the importance of a well-designed website.

This means a website may not fix all of your problems, but over time you can start gaining more traffic, more clients, which all end up resulting in increased sales.

Many of our clients, especially in the restaurant industry have seen an average of 25% increase in sales.

Some of our other clients within the automotive industry have seen a growth rate of 5x in their online traffic after we worked on their SEO and Website Design.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to build a website for your business depends on your specific circumstances and goals.

While it is possible to run a business successfully without a website, having one can provide numerous benefits, including increased visibility, customer engagement, and sales. In an increasingly digital world, a website is often a key factor in sustaining and growing a business. If you’re looking to enhance your business’s reach and performance, a website is almost guaranteed to help increase your traffic and customer base.

Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you!

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