Description: This is an insightful post about how small businesses started getting the word out, how websites have become critical in a small business’s success, and other ways to better them.
Small business background
Back in the day, let’s say over 40 years ago in the 1980s, there were only a few ways for the word to spread about a new small business. Whether it was by word of mouth or paper advertisements, small businesses relied highly on those in the area they were located to walk around and try out their restaurant or use their service. There was no Google to use to search for a business near you and remember them with its Google cache. No way to scroll on your favorite social media app for food inspirations and new places to try. Small businesses, back then, had total reliance on the loyalty of their local and, occasionally, out-of-town customers. While that might mean that the small business has a loyal fanbase that they can rely on to support them, that also means they might not experience enough increase in traffic to grow and support them as inflation raises the price of everything. With the growth of technology in small businesses, specifically, the growth of websites in small businesses, spreading the word and bringing in new customers is easier than ever.
Websites for Small Businesses
Websites have played a huge role in helping small businesses get out there and bring customers from all over to their stores or restaurants. Think about it, whenever you went anywhere outside your local area, how many times did you use Google and websites to check out restaurants before going to them? Most of the time? All of them? That just goes to show that websites play a vital role in getting traffic for a small business. Score.org lists 12 different reasons why a website is good for a business, including; making people aware you exist, giving you credibility that you a real and reliable business, and its a welcome mat for new customers. People trust that if you have a website and you effectively show that you a professional business, people are more likely to visit your business. Plus, now a small business is no longer exclusive to simply those who live in the area. Any traveling to visit that saw your sight and marked it down as a place to try can. They don’t have to worry about scams or not likely your business, you already gave them a precursor as to what to expect. Not to mention that you can use your website to engage your customers, many small businesses have pages set aside to show views and social media posts on Instagram and Yelp. It is an effective way to promote your business, so say LinkedIn.
Another way to better a Small Business
Using websites to get the word out isn’t the only way to spread a small business out. Now, with technology ever-evolving, social media is more likely to increase a business’s brand awareness than its website will. With apps like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, influencers and inspiration to try out new business is right in the palm of almost everyone’s hand. Influencers on TikTok record their time at a small business and rate their experience. If they praise the small business highly, anyone already living in that area or anyone who has seen the video and is visiting the area might stop in and check the business out simply because an influencer spoke highly of it. Instagram users take pictures and rate different foods they tried, helping a business get their name out there and their products out there for people to preview.
In summary, websites and social media platforms can greatly help spread the word about a small business. Utilizing them is wise and essential when wanting to increase brand awareness and the number of customers using their business.