Why a Website is a good Investment for Local Businesses

The word floating around in the industry is that social media and Google have become versatile enough to replace the use of websites.
In other words, websites are about to become obsolete in 2019.
With that kind of talk, local businesses are left wondering if they even need a website anymore.
We’re here to set the record straight.
Yes! You need websites for your business; in fact, you have never needed a website more than you will in 2019.
Here’s why:

1.  Better Chances of making it to the SERP

In order for a business to do well, it must appear on the first page of Google. That’s when you know you have done your digital marketing right.  However, not many local businesses are succeeding at that.

With revised and updated Google algorithms, the SERP (search engine results page) are inundated with competitor businesses, and that too with only the best from the lists and directories.
Additionally, earlier this year, Google also revised the local 7-pack to local 3-packs. In such a dangerously competitive market, your best chance at making it to the top 3 is to have a very strong website.

2.  Better Chances of Organic Ranking

Regardless of all the paid packs, zero-click SERPs, Local Service Ads, and other structures being provided by Google to get better rankings, organic ranking will never go out of style.
One factor that strongly influences organic ranking is a business’s control over their brand, something that is unachievable without a website.
Websites allow locals businesses to take over brand-controlled publishing, as well as link earning opportunities. Without these two to support your local business, the chances of organic ranking would be even less.

3.  Better Chances of Adding Value with Technical SEO

Websites are not becoming obsolete, but growing in complexity every year. The good news is that the more you invest in it, the better the chances of conversion you’ll have.
Having no website takes away that opportunity from you. You rely solely on your content, products and services.

With a better website, you can make more people happy, and happier people mean better reviews

Technical SEO allows you to create a faster and speedier website. In this fast paced world, everyone appreciates a website that doesn’t take years to access. Sometimes this factor plays such a huge role, that customers are likelier to pick a faster website than one with better products yet lazy websites.

Websites will also allow local businesses to create Progressive Web Apps– something that will become more important in the years to come.

4.  Conversion Rates Are Higher

Without a website, the chances of your local business to appear on SERP is zero. With a site though, the chances are definitely there.

81% of shoppers begin their buying experience with online research; this means their keywords are very specific and they are researching with the intent to buy.

When your very well-established website appears on the SERP, you have a chance to make an impression. If you succeed, you have a buyer!

These are just some of the reasons why websites are more than just a choice for local businesses in 2019. Investing in websites means you can stand out from the other businesses that make it to the SERP.
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