Why Your Business Needs a Website in 2021
You’ve been doing business “the traditional way” since your company’s inception many years ago. You usually go out and meet people in person and use word of mouth as the main form of advertising and growing your business.
That’s worked well for your business, until last year.
As a result of the pandemic, people are still staying at home, reluctant to go out and be exposed to the general public, only going out for necessary items such as food and home goods. Consumers aren’t getting together with friends and exchanging information, withdrawing word of mouth referrals. When people get together over Zoom, it’s usually business-centered, the focused conversation that isn’t referring to your business.
Since the pandemic, consumers have turned to search online for their home’s safety for purchases and services. Socially, the push for “supporting local” has driven community members to look for family-owned businesses to support in their city. Buyers have turned to the internet for shopping, eating out, and curbside delivery.
With the new strain of COVID lurking about, pandemic rates skyrocketing, and deaths from COVID continuing to soar, this pattern is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Are you getting a piece of the local business that is happening all around your town?
The Effect of Online Sales Due to the Pandemic
COVID 19 has shut down businesses and quarantined individuals inside their homes. Consumers are actively avoiding public areas, including shopping less in-person. The CDC encourages buyers to stay at home and only go out when necessary. However, people still need to purchase products and services for daily living, giving businesses an online presence a huge advantage over brick and mortar stores without a website.
To survive, businesses have had to pivot their business model to showcase their product and services online as this is where their audience is looking to buy. Consumers are taking advantage of options that limit in-store interactions like BOPIS (buy online, pickup in-store), curbside pickup, and subscription services.
COVID 19 Online Shopping Statistics
Since March of 2020, online shopping has skyrocketed, especially among men and older Americans. Buying online is safer and reduces the chances of exposure to COVID 19. According to new survey data, people spend up to 30% more online than before the pandemic. The survey found that “online spend is also on the rise, growing 10%-30% across grocery and non-grocery purchases.” This equates to higher revenue for those companies who maintain an online presence. Trends data shows an increase of 446% compared to the same period in 2019.
COVID Pandemic is Affecting Online Search Behavior
Besides having an online presence to be competitive with other businesses, you want to show up on the first page when someone Googles a search related to your business. Search behavior, based on consumer priorities, is more focused on purchasing online for the long haul than activities such as dining out.
The uncertainty of the pandemic has become the status quo. Given that stay-at-home measures are likely to continue for months, businesses will have to adapt to grow their business and accommodate consumers’ new needs.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation to see how Visual Web Group can get started on a new website or update your current website so consumers can find your business and your company gets the coverage it deserves online!
