One of the things we at Buildicus get asked by small business owners is “Why do I need a website?”

The short answer is, ”Because it’s 2015, that’s why.”

I recognize this isn’t an entirely helpful answer, so for those who need a little more, here it is broken down: 7 absolute, indisputable, can’t-argue reasons you need a website.

1. Because a website shows you're professional

Websites look legit, there’s no way around it. A professional website shows that you’re a serious, credible business that knows the importance of having a significant online presence.

2. Because Facebook is horrible

Should you have a Facebook page? Sure. For everyday communication with customers, Facebook still holds value. But a Facebook page is not professional. For one thing, you have no control over how it looks. For another … I mean, it’s Facebook. We all know how ridiculous Facebook can be, right? Cool. Moving on.

3. Because not everyone reads the newspaper

Look, I don’t have the numbers on how many people get their information about businesses from newspaper ads, but I do know this: not everyone reads the newspaper, but nearly everyone has access to a computer. You can have a website that’s always available, or you can run an ad and hope it gets seen.

 

[caption id=”attachment_4953” align=”aligncenter” width=”1024”]7 absolute reasons you need a website Eating a bowl of kale, looking up your website[/caption]

 

4. Because people hate talking on the phone

When I want to find out when a business is open, I pull out my phone … and search for the website. I don’t need to talk to someone. I don’t want to someone. I just want to pull up the info as quickly as possible then go about my day. And I’m not the only one.

5. Because your website is always working for you

Your website is always doing business for you. It’s always on the job, no matter what time of day. You can be asleep in your bed, and a customer can be learning all about who you are and what you can do for them as they decide how much of their money they’re going to give you.

6. Because everyone around you is staring at a phone or tablet right this minute

Humans spend, like, 100 hours a day on their mobile devices. Your information needs to be accessible at all times. Websites are always accessible. Especially responsive websites.

 

[caption id=”attachment_4950” align=”aligncenter” width=”640”]7 absolute reasons you need a website Looking up your business right now[/caption]

 

7. Because you can show off on a website

Websites are basically portfolios — they allow you to show off your best work. If your business provides products, you can show those off. If your business is a service, you can show off the people who provide that service. You can show off whatever the hell it is that makes your business the best around.

8. Because your competitors have a website

And that gives them a distinct advantage over you.

 

Did I miss anything? If you have a can’t-argue reason for having a website, please share in the comments.