Are you convinced that your business doesn’t need a website? If so, you aren’t alone. Forty-six percent of small businesses don’t have a website, with more than a third believing that their business is too small to need one. For many business owners, the cost to develop and design a website just doesn’t seem worth it.

However, consumer trends paint a different picture. Consider the data.

81% of U.S adults go online daily  

Most adults are online at least once daily, and a full 28% of those people are always online, according to Pew Research. That is a huge proportion of consumers who are online to work, shop, find entertainment, and conduct research before making a buying decision. In fact, 63% of consumers use websites primarily to find and engage with businesses.

Good business sense tells us to go where the customers are, and customers are online. That alone justifies having an online presence.

46% of searches are for local businesses

Do you rely on local customers? A website is still useful. Nearly half of consumers use their mobile phones for on-the-go information, such as phone numbers, addresses and directions that they need immediately, or to find a business that is close by.

What’s even more astounding, is that 88% of consumers who conduct a local search on their smartphone wind up visiting or calling a business within 24 hours.

Don’t assume the local community already knows about you. It’s critical that you make it easy for everyone to find your business.  

30% of consumers won’t even consider businesses without websites

Still convinced that word-of-mouth marketing, referrals and drive by traffic is enough to keep you in business? Even if consumers somehow manage to find you without an online presence, a third of them won’t even give your business a second thought if you don’t have a website. 

Reasons for that could vary. Many people want the opportunity to learn more about your business before calling or visiting your location. They want more details without the pressure of a sales pitch. Others question the success or professionalism of your business if you don’t invest in a website.

For many consumers, if they can’t find you online, they’ll take their business to a competitor.

Yes, you really do need a website

Attracting new customers is critical for your business to maintain growth. Even if you have a stable of faithful customers who keep your business afloat, making it easier for them to contact you, receive offers and promotions, and refer you to other customers is just plain smart.