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The role a website plays in people finding you

Oct 28, 2024

If your business isn’t online, it might as well not exist. Your website is not just a digital space; it’s where your customers find you, learn about you, and decide whether to trust you. But what exactly makes a website so critical for getting noticed?

Credibility: Your digital business card

“75% of consumers admit to making judgments on a company’s credibility based on their website design.” – Stanford University

A website is often the first interaction potential customers have with your business. Without one, your credibility is at risk. People expect to find reliable information at the click of a button. If they can’t find you online, they might assume you’re not trustworthy or, worse, not in business.

But having a website that looks professional immediately signals to customers that you’re serious. It says, “We’re established. We’re here to stay.”

Trust: Keep information current

Trust is everything in business. One way to lose it? Offering outdated or incorrect information on your website. People want up-to-date service lists, current pricing, and accurate contact details. If your business information changes, your website should reflect that immediately. Trust is built on reliability — your website plays a major part in that.

  • Ensure your contact details are always up to date.
  • Regularly refresh service descriptions to reflect what’s current.
  • Update your website content to stay relevant.

If customers can’t trust what they see online, how can they trust your services?

Consistent name and URL: Be found easily

Imagine this: someone searches for your business but can’t figure out if it’s the same one they saw on Facebook or heard about from a friend. Why? The name and branding are inconsistent across platforms. It sounds simple, but consistent naming is key.

Your business name and URL should match across the board — whether on social media, Google Business Profile, or print materials. This consistency improves your visibility, making it easier for people to find and recognise you. If you want to learn more about domains, click here.

A well-matched name and URL also strengthen your SEO, pushing your business higher in search results. And if you’re not showing up there, you’re already a step behind.

Branding and images: First impressions count

It takes users 0.5 seconds to form an opinion about your website. First impressions matter.

Your logo, branding, and images all work together to create a cohesive identity. Consistency in these elements not only makes your website more memorable but also visually appealing. High-quality images of your products or services go a long way in helping potential customers understand what you offer. People tend to remember visuals better than text, so your imagery becomes a crucial part of how customers perceive your business.

Services: Up-to-date and relevant

Nothing turns customers away faster than finding outdated service information. Is your website still advertising last year’s offers or services you no longer provide? Regular updates are essential to keep customers informed about what’s new and what’s available.

But it’s not just about listing services. A well-maintained website shows customers that you care about staying relevant. Plus, regular updates help with SEO, making it easier for people to find you online.

Pricing: Transparency is key

Almost all consumers visit a company’s website to check prices before they contact the business.

Transparent pricing builds confidence. If a customer can find your prices without needing to ask, they’re more likely to trust you. While some businesses choose not to show prices upfront, offering at least a range or starting price can remove some uncertainty and help customers make faster decisions.

  • Display your pricing clearly.
  • Offer downloadable price lists if applicable.
  • Include calls to action for more personalised quotes.

Linking from where your customers are: Cast a wide net

A website doesn’t stand alone. It’s the centre of your online universe, linking from all the places where your potential customers are likely to find you. Whether online or offline, ensure your website is easy to access.

  • Link from your social media profiles, like Facebook or Instagram.
  • Add your website URL to offline marketing materials, such as business cards or flyers.
  • Ensure your Google Business Profile links directly to your website for accurate local search visibility.

This way, no matter where your customers are, they’ll always have a direct path back to your website.

Why Savvy Sites?

A Savvy Site is the easiest way for your business to get found online — and fast. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to update an existing website, Savvy offers everything you need and nothing you don’t.

  • SEO-ready: Savvy Sites are optimised to rank better in search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Read our blog on SEO.
  • Quick to build: Get a professional one-page website up and running in no time, without needing any coding skills.
  • Mobile-friendly: Edit and publish from your phone, keeping up with the fast pace of your business.

And it’s not just about being found. Savvy helps you convert those visits into leads by giving your business the credibility it deserves. Customers want transparency and trust, and Savvy Sites make it easier for you to deliver on that promise.

Without a well-built website, your business might struggle to be found — let alone trusted. In a digital-first world, making it easy for people to find, understand, and connect with you is essential. Start by building a website that does more than just exist. Make it work for you.

Looking for an easy, effective way to get started? Click here.