{"id":11823,"date":"2023-11-22T15:07:38","date_gmt":"2023-11-22T15:07:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/?p=11823"},"modified":"2024-01-16T11:25:56","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T11:25:56","slug":"why-every-irish-small-business-needs-a-good-website-a-smart-investment-for-growth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/blog\/why-every-irish-small-business-needs-a-good-website-a-smart-investment-for-growth\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Every Irish Small Business Needs a Good Website: A Smart Investment for Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background gradient-container-1 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1289.6px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p>We know that our economy is run from growth in digital. The current significance of a robust online presence for small businesses cannot be overstated. At VIMAR Digital Marketing, we understand that a website is more than just a digital footprint; it&#8217;s a vital tool for business growth and sustainability. Although some businesses take a DIY or cheapest option for their <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/blog\/the-ultimate-beginners-guide-to-seo-in-digital-marketing-boost-your-online-presence-and-rank-higher-on-google\/\"   title=\"online presence\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">online presence<\/a>, this simply doesn\u2019t pay off. In this article, we explore some compelling reasons why investing in a \u2018good website\u2019 is not just a choice but a necessity for small businesses, followed by practical tips to get started and maintain an effective online presence.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><h2><b>10 reasons to consider a \u2018Good Website\u2019 for Small Businesses<\/b><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital First Impressions Matter<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your website is often the first interaction potential customers have with your brand. A professional and engaging website sets a positive tone and builds trust. Do you want it to be positive or negative?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Accessibility Around the Clock<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A website provides your customers with 24\/7 access to your products and services, enhancing customer convenience and opening up opportunities for sales at any time. Keep opportunities open to engage with your clients.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Expanding Market Reach<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A well-designed website allows you to reach a broader audience, breaking geographical barriers and tapping into new markets. Always be targeting new customers with better content.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/blog\/marketing-strategy-vs-marketing-tactics-get-it-right-in-your-business\/\"   title=\"Effective Marketing\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">Effective Marketing<\/a> Platform<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your website is a central hub for various marketing strategies, leveraging tools like SEO, social media, and <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/blog\/blogging-business\/\"   title=\"content marketing\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">content marketing<\/a> to attract and engage possible and repeat customers. You control your website. Don\u2019t rely on other popular platforms.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Gathering Customer Insights and Build Community<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Websites enable data collection and analytics, offering insights into customer behaviour and preferences, which is crucial for tailoring your offerings and strategies. This is critical for effective marketing data.\u00a0 Use your website to create a community around your brand, engaging customers through blogs, forums, and newsletters.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"6\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Enhanced Customer Support<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A website can offer comprehensive customer support through FAQs, live chat, and resource centres, improving the overall customer experience. This is hard to do only over the phone or through social media.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"7\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Competitive Edge<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many sectors, a website is a standard expectation. Having a well-designed website helps small businesses compete effectively in the market. It can showcase your projects, services or products in a very positive way.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"8\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cost-Effective Advertising<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Websites offer a more affordable and long-term advertising solution compared to traditional media, with a wider reach and better ROI. Have you looked at the cost of print media these days?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"9\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Showcasing Work and Building Trust<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Showcase testimonials and reviews. A website is an excellent platform to display your work, products, or services and include customer testimonials, which builds credibility.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"10\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Streamlining Business Operations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Integrating <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/blog\/business-tools-for-you\/\"   title=\"business tools\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">business tools<\/a> into your website can simplify operations, making processes like scheduling and selling more efficient. Having a good CRM in the backend allows better management of leads. There is a huge opportunity to automate processes in many businesses.\u00a0 <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><h2><b>Actionable Tips for when thinking about a New Website<\/b><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Start with Clear Goals and User-Friendly Design<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set a clear objective for your website and focus on creating an intuitive, easy-to-navigate <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/blog\/website-design-and-development\/\"   title=\"user experience\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">user experience<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Optimise for Search Engines<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implement SEO best practices and regularly update your content to improve your search engine ranking and visibility. If you can\u2019t be found, there isn\u2019t much point having a website at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ensure Mobile Responsiveness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure your website is responsive and provides a seamless experience on mobile devices. This is the #1 traffic source. Don\u2019t be left behind.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Integrate Social Media and Contact Options<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Link your social media profiles and ensure your contact information is easily accessible. Think about automation from social channels to allow the website to be up to date.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Regular Maintenance and Analytics Monitoring<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your website updated and secure, and use analytics to track visitor behaviour and inform your <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/blog\/an-introduction-to-content-marketing-for-small-business\/\"   title=\"marketing strategy\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">marketing strategy<\/a>. Don\u2019t go through all the hard work and just leave it. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><h2><b>Making Your Website Work for You<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Your website is a dynamic representation of your business in the digital world. It&#8217;s a tool that requires ongoing attention and refinement. By understanding its importance and following these practical tips, small businesses can create a powerful online presence that drives growth and success. Remember, in today&#8217;s digital age, your website is often your first and most lasting impression. Make it count and let it be a reflection of the quality and dedication you bring to your business.<\/p>\n<p>Talk to our team today about crafting an effective online presence for your business.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11826,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[128,73,119],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11823"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11823"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11823\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11827,"href":"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11823\/revisions\/11827"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11823"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11823"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vimar.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11823"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}