Top 13 Benefits of a Website for Small Businesses Beginning or Transitioning from 2024 to 2025 in GCC
The GCC is catching up to the West in Technology faster than you can imagine. Businesses that have not changed their IT Teams or their IT Teams have not upgraded their knowledge in this field stand to lose a lot. Newer companies will wipe them off in no time. There’s mild immunity for larger pre-existing businesses. Still, at the rate things are changing, if they do not adapt, it will be the story of National & Phillips Radio vs. Streaming Radios or Kodak vs. Digital Cameras.
So, it is critical for new companies to know for sure what they can benefit from and jump in, and pre-existing businesses must upgrade their game.
If you speak to some small businesses where the owner is a marketer, designer, and everything else (as in most small businesses in Oman), they rely only on Instagram. Most new small businesses and those who want to start businesses will tell you location is key. While that has some truth in it, we have challenged it with facts every single time, and once facts are put in place, the ideas change.
Unfortunately, Instagram is one arm of marketing, and therefore, while some businesses see benefits, they are only getting less than 30% of what they could get. This is because Instagram is only one of the many marketing arms. One needs as many as possible to work for them to maximize.
My simple question to most of those who only rely on Instagram for their business is always like this: “If you want to find the nearest Chinese or Turkish restaurant, how do you find it?” without skipping a beat, they say, “Google”! Then I ask, if you want to know which is the best between 2 Hotels in town, how do you find that? Again, without missing a beat, they say, “We look at Google Reviews.” Then I ask if you want to book a flight, what do you do? In Oman, many still go to travel agents. So I ask them, if you are in an unfamiliar place in Oman, how do you find a travel agent? They say the same thing: “We look on Google.” Yet they totally believe that their business is run by Instagram! I guess you get the point.
Next, I ask the very same people: do you know of anyone who has recently arrived from a foreign country (expatriate) and has not lived in GCC before? Almost always, they say, “Yes, one of my colleagues is from XYZ country.” Then I ask them do you know if they have a Facebook account?, almost always, they say, “Of course.” Then I ask them what about their Instagram account?, and most of the time, they say, “Not yet!”. Then I ask, “Where do you think they first shopped before they finally got on Instagram?” they say, “Shops around and the malls,” but how do they find them? “they say Google,” because that is what they mostly think.
Well, Google is used by most as a search engine. The results that show up vary greatly depending upon what was searched for and what was added to Google. This means that if a business has a location that is mentioned on Google and the name of the business matches the product the customer wants, that business may show up. If the business has claimed its profile on Google AND added its business to the correct category and posted some information on its Google profile, it may show up EVEN IF the business name does not match the searched term, but the term matches the category of the business.
Among the results again, there are “homogeneous” results and “paid results.” Paid results are those who believe that Instagram is not the only place to get their business from, many people do not search Instagram for today’s deals on milk, meat, 58″ TV, etc.
Homogeneous results show matching websites and contents of websites, Social Media Accounts matching the name or category searched, online directories matching the name searched, and, of course, Google business profiles.
What does this mean?
If a business only has an Instagram account AND its name matches the search, it may show up because people do not search with “#” hashtags.
For example, if someone types “Children’s bikes,” all websites selling children’s bikes will show up “IF” they actually added the term in their content and created a page or a category for children’s bikes. In some cases, “all pages of a website that mention these terms may show” and related social media accounts, including Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), etc. So, if you compare this small business to one that only relies on Instagram, you can see where the business is losing.
So if a business has an Instagram account, a website, a Facebook account, a YouTube account, a Google business profile, and other social accounts, and the business keeps all these up to date, posting what they sell or what services they offer and some related articles, and videos in all these places, they will appear multiple times, or all their accounts will show at once… talk about credibility! Which of the two businesses now looks more credible? one with only an Instagram account or one with all other information showing?
In marketing terms, a business’s presence online is called a “digital footprint.” The more digital footprints your business has, the easier it is for them to be found. This includes linked articles from newspaper websites, map links from manufacturer websites, etc. So, therefore, each social account, website and website page, and product or service page are all digital footprints. The more you have, the more visible you become to your customers.
Let’s go back to expatriates (and Omanis who are returning after studying abroad for several years), before coming to Oman, they try to familiarize themselves with several businesses and services that they think they may need. For example, an expatriate worker coming with family may be looking for a school, a shopping center, and a hospital close to the residence that was already picked for them by their company. Returning Omanis may even be looking for Gaming areas and fun places around. For sure, ALL are using Facebook and Google searches! Not Instagram search… (well, maybe 10 to 15% may do Instagram search), but why give up the other 85% if you are a business? Don’t you want new customers? Most people, by nature, do not like to go to 100 new places every day. Many pick a few that they like and stay with those few links. Wouldn’t your business like to make the first good impression and keep their business for good instead of letting them try everything and finally end up with you by accident?
So now, let’s get to the article on the subject… what is in store for those who have an “active” website in Oman and the GCC for the year 2024 going into 2025?
Why “active”? Because when a potential customer client looks at a website created 7 years ago and has not had any update or upgrade, they know… they automatically assume “if a business can not take care of their website, they probably cannot handle business properly,” so they may skip your business and chose another one which may actually in real life underperform compared to your business, just because of a “dead” website.
This article, of course, will surpass the encapsulated time frame, but we will focus on this period because it is closer and easier to see and imagine.
Right now, the digital landscape continues to evolve, making it essential for small businesses to establish an online presence. A website is more than just a digital business card; it’s a powerful tool that can drive growth and success. In this article, we will look at the top 13 benefits of a website for small businesses, illustrating why it’s crucial to have one.
- Establishing an Online Presence
Having an online presence is no longer optional. It’s a necessity. A website serves as the digital storefront for your business, open 24/7 and accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This continuous availability allows potential customers to learn about your services, contact you, and even make purchases at their convenience.
- Ripe Time
Today, everyone has a mobile phone with data subscription, including housemaids and construction workers who make minimum wage. This means the reach and exposure is even more than one can imagine.
- Enhancing Credibility
A professional website significantly boosts your business’s credibility. Customers are more likely to trust a company with a well-designed website that provides clear information about its products or services. Featuring customer testimonials, case studies, and reviews can further enhance your business’s reputation, showcasing your reliability and expertise.
- Accessibility and Convenience
One of the primary benefits of a website for small businesses is accessibility. Unlike a physical store with set hours, a website is available to your customers 24x7x365. Your website never sleeps or rests. This means customers can access information, make inquiries, or purchase products anytime they want without being restricted by business hours.
- Reaching a Wider Audience
A website allows your small business to reach a global audience. While your physical store might cater to local customers, a website breaks geographical barriers, enabling you to attract potential customers from different parts of the world. This expanded reach can lead to increased sales and business growth. Especially in the GCC countries when we see that the influx of tourists and settlers is increasing. If you are online, they get to you first before others.
- Improving Customer Interaction
Interacting with customers is easier when you have a website. Adding the likes of WhatsApp chat, blogs, FAQs, and contact forms allows you to interact with your audience, answer their questions, and provide valuable information. This engagement helps build strong relationships with your customers, fostering loyalty and trust. The more your potential customers can interact with you, the more likely you are to win their business and support.
- Showcasing Products and Services
Besides enhancing trust level, a website acts as an online catalog where you can showcase your products and services in detail. High-quality images, comprehensive descriptions, and customer reviews can help potential customers make informed decisions. This detailed presentation can attract more customers and drive sales.
- Increasing Sales Opportunities
You may have heard of the phrase, “The more eyeballs you have on your business online, the more walk-in customers you will have.” If you have a properly created website and it has information the customers need to make their decision, they are more likely to do business with you than one who has a website lacking information, not one who doesn’t have a website at all. Adding an e-commerce section to your website can open up new sales opportunities. Even if you have a physical store, an online shop allows you to sell products to a broader audience. Customers who prefer online shopping can browse and purchase your products at any time, increasing your overall sales.
- Cost-Effective Marketing
A website is a cost-effective marketing tool. Compared to traditional advertising methods, maintaining a website is relatively inexpensive. You can update content, run promotions, and share news without incurring high costs. Over time, the investment in a website can yield significant returns. The better your website is structured, the less money you will spend advertising via multiple channels. The more you drive customers to your website, the less advertising you will need to do overall.
- Gathering Customer Insights
Understanding your customers is crucial for business success. A website provides valuable data through tools like Google Analytics, helping you understand visitor behavior, preferences, and demographics. This data can inform your marketing strategies and help you tailor your offerings to meet customer needs.
- Building Customer Trust
A well-designed website helps build trust with potential customers. Features such as SSL certificates ensure that transactions are secure, which is essential for online sales. Providing clear contact information and easy navigation also enhances user experience, making customers more likely to trust and return to your site.
- Supporting Business Growth
A website supports the growth and scalability of your small business. As your business expands, your website can evolve with it, adding new features and services to meet changing needs. This flexibility allows your business to grow without the limitations of a physical location.
- Staying Competitive
In today’s market, having a website is essential to staying competitive. Many of your competitors likely have websites, and potential customers may compare online options before making a decision. A strong online presence ensures that your business remains relevant and competitive.
Conclusion
In short, the benefits of having a website for small businesses outweigh not having one. From establishing an online presence to reaching a wider audience, a website is a powerful tool that can drive growth and success. If you are considering getting a new website for your business, revamping yours, or reviving it from the dead to a “live” website, then do not hesitate to contact us. We are fully aware of the market and local customer behaviors online; we can help you. Use any form of contact on our website, including the “Contact Form“
