Did you know 30% of consumers won’t even consider a service-based business without a website? There are many benefits to having a website as a service-based business and assuming otherwise could cost you thousands of dollars in sales and new customers. First, we’ll discuss the key advantages a website provides service-based businesses. Second, we’ll discuss how to expand your web presence to increase sales.
Showcasing Your Work: The Power of Visual Proof
Before visiting a business or making a purchase, 70-80% of customers research the company online. The single biggest benefit of a website for a service-based business is showcasing your past work to new customers. Pretend that you want to get back to your high school weight. How likely would you be to purchase my weight loss program if I had a website with 10 testimonials? I’d say that most people would take that with a grain of salt. What if I had 10 images of weight loss transformations? Visual proof is more convincing than words alone.
Spread the Word: Create Service Awareness
97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else. A website allows customers to see a complete list of services that you offer. If I own “Wolf’s Deli”, I want customers to know that we make custom cakes and cater events. If I don’t have any place to display my services, there’s no way for customers to know about them besides visiting my deli.
For example, let’s take the Deli example a step further. Imagine I am having a birthday party at my house. I’ll also need a birthday cake. If a customer doesn’t know I offer custom cakes or catering, they won’t think about asking. A website allows you to present all your services, which leads to higher sales.
Your Image is Everything: No Mirrors Required
Imagine that you visit a website that has broken links or images and no SSL certificate. Would you trust that business to provide you with an exceptional service? Or would you assume since their website is broken, their business is also broken? A well designed and maintained website can increase your perceived value, reliability and image. Attention to detail reflects the professionalism and quality of a business. It also creates a strong first impression and builds trust with customers.
A visually appealing site signals to customers that the business values excellence. This directly influences their decision to engage with the services offered. Why does the military have strict grooming and uniform standards? It’s because they want the impression of being professional and fit for service. Just as the military’s strict grooming standards convey strength and reliability, a well-maintained website signals that your business is professional and trustworthy.
The Logo Effect
How many different big brand logos can you imagine right now without looking them up? I’d be willing to bet a lot. X, Target, and Best Buy, to name a few. The same is true for your business. A memorable logo is one that also reflects your business. It will create a memory association for your customers. That powerful logo will become associated with your brand.
Not all logos are created equally, though. Studies have shown that circular logos are much more inviting than square logos. Does that mean square logos don’t have their place? Absolutely not. Logos can be more on the professional side (lawyers and doctors), more fun (arcades and entertainment), or warmer and inviting (big purchases and restaurants).
Other Uses of a Website for Service Based Businesses
We recently worked with a client that needed a website to obtain a special certificate for their service-based business. That client cannot perform their services online, but the website allows them to get that certification. In turn, that certification allows them to charge a higher premium.
Websites are great for providing information to customers of service-based businesses. For instance, having your hours of operation allows customers to know what days and hours you are open. You can also provide customers with menus, contact phone numbers and most importantly, your businesses address.
Lastly, a skilled developer can build you a website that saves time and helps with organization. Let’s say you run a massage studio, and you also sell your packages online. Why not let the customer book appointments online? By listing your availability right on your website, it allows the customer to book the appointment right then and there. No need for them to call you, and no need for you to look through a calendar to see what’s booked out. Even better, you could allow them to make the purchase from the website and once a customer has made the purchase, they’re that much less likely to change their mind.
Capitalizing on Your Businesses Web Presence
Making a Strong First Impression in Under One Minute
The average time spent on any given webpage hovers just under 1 minute. Therefore, you must make information clear, convincing and thorough. In other words, you must make the most impact in the shortest amount of time possible and you might only have one chance to win over the customer.
In summary, by including all the information a potential customer might want, including your services, hours of operation, past work and other information covered above, you greatly increase the chance that the customer will see you as someone they want to work with. Think of your website as a “passive” advertisement that allows you to generate leads all hours of the day and night from anyone, anywhere.
Ready to bring your service-based business online? At Gray Wolf Web Design, we create 24/7 advertisements that generate leads and increase sales. Let’s Chat.