Choose the best type of website for your business

Websites are incredibly powerful tools that, when combined with the right strategy, can transform your business. The trick is to make the right choices when it comes to branding, content and functionality. However, unless you’re a web expert, that’s often easier said than done.

So, just how do you determine what kind of site is best for your business? Well, that’s a pretty big question. To get you started, we’re going to focus on functionality.

1. Your website can be your online brochure.

Otherwise known as a basic website, this is the digital equivalent of on online brochure, which provides information on:

• how and where to contact your business
• what services you provide
• who you are

These types of sites help your customers find you online but don’t do much else. Many business owners build their basic site, then forget about it until disaster strikes or they need to update the Bios page. This is just fine for many businesses but it is important to keep in mind that if you’re not giving your website attention, then you’re losing out on potential customers and profits. It can be well worth it to find the time and resources to grow your basic website into something more useful to your business.

2. Your website can be a tool to capture leads.

Marketing websites take the basic site several steps further. These sites have clear messaging that communicates your brand and promotes your products. They take site visitors on a journey through defined pathways called Calls to Action, which are the beginning of the sales process. Marketing websites also have measurable goals that monitor website data according to a plan. This data indicates the successful and not-so-successful parts of a website and can be used to inform changes to the website, so that you can reach your goals.

3. Your website can sell your products & services.

Websites can completely replace brick-and-mortar storefronts by moving your business transactions online. Either by having an online store, or just a simple payment tool, you can eliminate expensive overhead costs and, at the same time, increase your reach to a much wider audience. Even service based businesses can operate exclusively online.

The biggest challenge with having an online business is in getting your customers to your website. From there, you must provide a unique value that sets you apart from the competition. A solid marketing plan that integrates branding, social media and content generation will be essential to maximizing the potential of your online sales.

4. Your website can be a part of your day-to-day operations.

Business operations can also be built into your website and often automated, thus, saving you time and money. For example, Help Desks facilitate customer support services by providing a platform for clients to quickly report issues and communicate with staff. Help Desks can be built directly into your website or integrated using a 3rd party system.

Online reservations systems are another great example. Such tools make it easy for your customers to research availability and make reservations, which increases the likelihood of making a sale (as long as your system is well-built!).

If you have any questions about the types of websites or about which one is right for you, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!