As a web designer, it’s probably a given that I would suggest that all small businesses have a proper website built for them. But like all trends in business and online commerce, things tend to change pretty quickly and it can sometimes be difficult to see the benefits of investing time in to your online presence.
Particularly when you are looking to make money on the side to supplement your main income, the question of whether you need a website or not is one that many people face. You might feel like you’re doing just fine without one, or that the time needed to learn how to build it or hire someone is just something you don’t have time for with everything else you have to worry about. And that’s ok!
But if you’re passionate about your side business, I can guarantee you that investing in building a home for your brand on the internet is something that can only help – not hinder. And in today’s world where more and more people are getting involved in projects to make money on the side, there’s a myriad of different reasons why your brand should have its own dedicated website.
1. It simplifies your workflow.
I know many people running side businesses from Facebook, Instagram or other social media pages. Often, it’s due to familiarity – they’re used to the systems, the interface and process.
But if you’re looking to grow your business, answering all of those inbox messages and tailoring your responses and timelines can get muddy pretty quick.
Particularly if you are selling a product, keeping track of your books and being on top of orders, confirmations, shipping is crucial. This is where an automated and easy to manage system that a WordPress/WooCommerce website provides can not only simplify your day-to-day operations, but also give you more time to spend on actually running your business.
2. It increases your brand credibility.
Even if it’s a job that you’re running on the side, it’s still important to project a sense of professionalism to your prospective customers. That’s where having your own website can put you above others in a similar position – even if it’s just an online portfolio website that lists your services and contact details.
It might surprise you that studies have shown that only 59% of small businesses have a website. If you are working within a small business that competes against others who are also running side businesses – such as homemade jewellery, custom art or photography – having your own professional website can set you apart from the competition as well as bring you customers.
3. It broadens your reach.
Word of mouth is a great way to start, but eventually those same people may want to refer their family and friends to you. Even Facebook and Instagram can act as a referral point – but keep in mind there are still many people who don’t use these, as difficult as it might be to believe.
Even if it doesn’t have lots of bells and whistles, a website that people can visit quickly and easily and without any apps gives a simple way for people to engage with your services. That’s not even taking in to consideration other ways to broaden your reach such as social media marketing, search engine optimisation or mailing list building.
Making it easy for customers to locate information about your business is a crucial step in generating leads. Even just a simple brochure style website can do just that – which broadens your audience exponentially.
4. It opens the door to full-time.
With everything going on in the world with employment rates, COVID affecting job opportunities and the incredible surge of eCommerce since 2020 there’s no surprise that working for yourself has become such a sought-after dream for many. No more answering to someone else – you work when you want, generate your own income take back the freedom in your life.
For many, the side businesses people run is an offshoot of something that is a passion or hobby. Something that they genuinely love and enjoy. If you’re looking to ever develop your side business into a full-time job, or at the very least consider trialling it as your main source of income, a decent website is one of the first steps that many take to legitimise their business – for many of the reasons already listed here.
You would have a hard time finding an Adelaide business that generates a full-time income without even the most rudimentary website. This is generally because the aforementioned reasons that your side business needs a website are some of the key areas that need to be addressed when going full time.
Want to make your passion something you can do every day, and get paid for it? Getting online is the first step.
