The number of Americans shopping online for products and services has only increased and continue to increase as things are moving more towards digital space. According to Statista, in 2018, an estimated 1.8 billion people worldwide purchase goods online. During the same year, global e-retail sales amounted to 2.8 trillion U.S. dollars and projections show a growth of up to 4.8 trillion U.S. dollars by 2021.
Having said that, there are 96% of Americans shop online, and the majority of those shoppers prefer shopping online for reasons like saving time and avoiding crowds.
There is more into that number and this infographic not only show number of people shopping online, but their behavior and under what circumstances they continue to shop.
After studying the above infographics, it is clear that the demand for products and services online will only increase. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to have a presence online. Here are some of the benefits of having a website:
Create your brand and bring it to life
It is essential to have an active website even for small, local businesses. Study shows that more consumers use the internet to find a local business. Read reviews about businesses and provide feedback. Without a professionally designed website, these customers may not even be able to locate or contact the business. Google and other search engines rely heavily on information available online regarding a business and a website is a good means to provide all the needed information (Who and Where You Are) to search engine.
Reach All Corners of the World
A professionally designed business website gives your business and edge on your competitors and provide you a global presence and allows your business to capture customers from around the world. This has the potential to greatly increase your customer base.
Around-the-Clock Access
A professionally designed business website has the potential to have your business run 24/7. Even while you are sleeping you can still generate leads and follow up with potential clients. Your physical business can be closed, but clients can still reach you.
Instant Communication
Once a business has its website, it gives them the ability to communicate with their customers instantly. Upcoming sales and new products can be instantly advertised on the business website. This can eliminate the need to send out costly mailings and flyers. Another important factor is content and the integration of social media. As you generate content that may help a prospect, you can use social media to instantly propagate that content across thousands of potential customers.
Cost Savings
When compared to other advertising techniques, a business website can cost very little to build and maintain. Considering the power of a business website, the ROI is higher than any other advertising channels in most cases. A website should be a sales tool, explaining products and services and generating leads from that information. If you compare this to a salary of a person and the cost of sales collateral, it is a fraction of he cost.
Attract New Customers
One of the top reasons for a professionally designed website is the potential to attract new customers. As consumers surf online, they will have access to the businesses products, services or information, where otherwise they may not have even known the business existed.
Improved Customer Service
Usually a business website will include a contact form that gives your customers instant access to ask a question, or notify you about a problem with your goods or services. This gives you the ability to provide instant feedback to the customer and improve your customer service satisfaction rate. There are many creative ways you can improve a customers experience including a simple contact form so they may contact you with questions, a blog or forum they can leave questions in or even a live chat for immediate satisfaction.
Know Your Customers
Businesses will have the ability to track who is viewing its site and who is making purchases. The data collected can provide valuable information to the business that will allow them to better target their current and potential customers.
Customer Convenience
A professionally designed business website provides customer with convenience to shop online for products and services no matter where they are, whether they are in their beds or in bathroom, they can still shop and take care of the business.
Low Maintenance
As your business changes and grows So should your website. Upfront cost of setting up a website might be a little more, but maintenance is very low provided it is a professionally designed website and it is done properly.