Introduction: Your Online Business Card
Bertagnolli Enrico
In 2023, 73% of small businesses in the United States had a website, but many of them do not fully leverage their online presence. A website isn’t just a digital business card—it’s a 24/7 salesperson capable of growing your business, attracting customers, and increasing revenue.
If you’re thinking about creating a website for your business or improving an existing one, you’re in the right place. In this article, you’ll discover why a website is essential and how it can transform your business.
Your website is the core of all your online activities. It’s the reference point where customers can find information about you, your products and services, and a direct channel to get in touch with you.
Some main reasons every business should have a website include:
24/7 Accessibility: The site is always available, even when your physical store is closed.
Credibility and Professionalism: 75% of consumers judge a business’s credibility by the quality of its website (Stanford University study).
Control of Your Online Image: Unlike social media, on your site you have complete control over content and branding.
Marketing Tool: SEO, blogging, email marketing, and online advertising are all more effective when tied to a well-designed website.
To turn your website into a truly effective tool, focus on a few key areas:
(a) Attractive Design Consistent with Your Brand
A well-designed website grabs attention and builds trust.
Key elements to work on include:
- Colors and fonts aligned with your brand.
- Clean layout and intuitive navigation.
- Professional, original images (rather than generic stock photos).
(b) Mobile Optimization
Over 60% of web traffic comes from smartphones. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you risk losing many users.
Check that:
✅ Text is readable without zooming.
✅ Buttons are easy to tap.
✅ Your site loads quickly on mobile networks.
(c) Speed and Security
If your site takes more than 3 seconds to load, 40% of users may leave.
How to improve performance:
- Use optimized images to reduce page weight.
- Choose a fast, reliable hosting solution.
- Install an SSL certificate to ensure a secure connection.
(a) Building Customer Trust
People buy from businesses they trust. A well-designed site can include:
- Customer reviews and testimonials.
- Case studies or examples of completed projects.
- Security badges or certifications.
(b) Facilitating Customer Contact
An effective site simplifies communication via:
- Clear, intuitive contact forms.
- Live chat for immediate Q&A.
- Strong CTAs guiding visitors to specific actions (booking, purchasing, subscribing).
(c) SEO and Search Engine Visibility
68% of online experiences begin on Google. If your site is well optimized, it can appear in top results, driving more traffic and sales.
SEO basics include:
- Targeted keywords in content and headings.
- Clear, intuitive site structure with well-organized URLs.
- Internal and external links to boost site authority.
Having a website is no longer optional but essential for staying competitive.
A well-built website can:
- Increase visibility and revenue.
- Show professional credibility.
- Provide a direct channel to interact with customers.
If you still lack a website or want to improve your existing one, start now! In the next article, we’ll see what makes a successful website and how to build one effectively.