The Top 5 reasons why you still need a website:
There is no doubt about the power of social media in the digital marketing world. Facebook, twitter, YouTube and Instagram have become part of our vocabulary - followed closely by LinkedIn, pinterest and periscope. The social media landscape is ever changing. As I sit at my desktop computer, slowly but surely creating my own website - thanks to the wonder of wix, I have to wonder if it is all worth it.
However, I believe a strong social media presence combined with a high quality, responsive website is a must for any company or organisation.
1. A well designed website provides a shop front for a product or service.
2. It is a central location for any digital marketing campaign, with a clear message and possible call to action. Your website will let consumers know what you are selling, your contact information and provide a clear message of your product or service.
3. The concept of ‘less is more’ is becoming more and more important, as consumers have little time for flashy graphics and irrelevant content.
4. A quality website, with interesting and engaging content, will (hopefully) boost SEO rankings and will engage potential new customers. The majority of consumers will look for a particular product or service online using a search engine. Your website will allow you to define your space on the web - be it through geographical location - or the product/service on offer.
5. Websites must be responsive and easily accessible across all devices, from the desktop computer, to the smart phone, laptop and tablet. The success of a website as a marketing tool will be determined by its responsiveness across all devices and screen sizes. According to resources on tech.co, 47% of internet users expect a web page to load in two seconds or less, while 40% will abandon the site if it takes longer than three seconds to load.
While a website provides the backbone for brand awareness, integrating this message across all of the relevant social media channels will enhance any digital marketing campaign. Websites can no longer be considered in isolation. It is important to build strong profiles across different social media channels, with a clear and integrated message.
