Are Social Media Enough ?

Does My Business Need a Website in 2022?

In today's digital world, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have become essential strengths for many businesses. These platforms provide capabilities that allow businesses to quickly and directly introduce their products and services to their audience, engage with their customers, and execute effective marketing campaigns. However, despite all these advantages, is there really no need for a website? Does a website still hold significant importance in the age of social media? In response to these questions, it must be said that the importance and role of a website, even in 2023, remain crucial, and for a successful business, having a website is still of special significance. But why? In the following discussion at Tent App, we will explore the reasons and the importance of having a website alongside a presence on social networks.

Where Did the Importance of Having a Website Begin?

The need for businesses to have a website as an essential tool began in the 1990s with the advent of the internet. In the early 1990s, websites emerged as a relatively new and innovative means of communicating with customers and providing information about businesses. At that time, the internet was gradually recognized as a global virtual space, and websites served as a tool to provide limited information and business experiences to people worldwide.

Over time, the importance of websites in businesses has grown and evolved. Websites are now used as multi-purpose tools, including product and service introductions, online marketing, conducting commercial transactions, customer communication, providing educational content, and engaging with users. In other words, websites have become one of the fundamental tools for the success and growth of businesses.

Is Having a Presence on Instagram Sufficient?

Many business owners ask the question, "Is having a website necessary for a small business with limited resources and no online sales?" The short answer is yes! If you have a business, having a website is essential. Why? Consider the following reasons:

Firstly, since you're aiming for competition and survival in the market, your website serves as a crucial tool for establishing an online presence and introducing your business.

Secondly, the landscape of retail has changed with the emergence of e-commerce in recent years, with millions of online shoppers seeking everything from books to clothing, education, and entertainment. While you may think that you don't sell your products online, your competitors have likely realized how effective a website can be for their business and have taken steps to design a website or online store.

Finally, you might ask, "Can't my Facebook or Instagram page replace a website?" While social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have their advantages, they should not replace your business website. Why?

1. You don't own your Facebook or Instagram page, and if you get blocked or don't receive support, it can seriously impact your business. (As evidenced by the thousands of online shops that were affected when Instagram was blocked and ultimately resorted to having a website).

2. These platforms have SEO limitations. Your website can be optimized for search engines and attract direct traffic through Google searches.

Therefore, even if you are successful due to your presence on Instagram or Facebook, a website remains a very important tool for promoting your business and enhancing its online capabilities.

• 24/7 Online Presence

One of the key advantages of having a website is that it's accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Even during non-business hours, customers can access your website and use your services or obtain the information they need, which is a crucial element in the importance of a website in business.

• 24/7 Customer Support

Providing customer support for any business can be challenging. However, offering customer support online is simpler and more cost-effective than hiring personnel for support. Customer support through the website can take various forms, including frequently asked questions and chatbots.

• Information Exchange

One of the most attractive aspects of a website is how easily it provides information. Websites facilitate information exchange through methods such as updating customers on the latest product or service offerings through advertisements, newsletters that inform customers about upcoming events and news, and contact forms that respond to customer inquiries.

• Building Credibility and Trust

Today, customers expect businesses to have a website or an online presence. This is the first important step in building trust. From this perspective, having a website is crucial for a business. To take it a step further, if a business website is well-designed with excellent features and navigation, customers are more inclined to trust the business and use its services.

• Sales

Access to your business through a website grows exponentially as it can be reached from any corner of the world. Therefore, websites help businesses break geographical barriers and significantly increase their sales.

• Revenue

There is no limit to the income that can be generated through your website. If your website's reach can transcend borders, your income potential can soar. The only thing you need to do is optimize your website and ensure that your audience can find you when they are looking for you. Additionally, you can consider allocating some of your digital space on your website for display advertising. For example, if your site is about reviewing or selling mobile phones, you can allocate some of your digital space for displaying advertisements related to those phones. This is just an additional way to generate more income.

• Growth Opportunities

A website can serve as a portfolio or resume for a company. This can be useful for businesses, as a website can act as a reference for potential investors to familiarize themselves with your services, what you have achieved so far, and your future plans as a business.

Staying Competitive in the Online World

Staying competitive in the online world means a business's ability to maintain and expand its online presence, attract customer attention, and engage with visitors in the virtual space. The online world is highly dynamic and competitive, and due to frequent technological changes and shifts in consumer habits, businesses are forced to adapt and innovate continually in their approaches. Below, we'll guide you to better understand the concept of staying competitive in the online world:

1. Keeping Up with Technology: Technologies are constantly evolving, including search engine algorithms, social media platforms, and analytical tools. Businesses need to stay up to date with these changes and use the latest tools and techniques to improve their online visibility and performance.

2. Creating Unique Content: Content is crucial in the online world. Businesses need to provide distinctive and valuable content that captures the attention and engagement of customers. This contributes to building a brand and gaining recognition in the market.

3. Optimizing User Experience: A business website or application must offer an excellent user experience. This includes fast page loading, responsive design, and simplicity. Optimizing user experience instills trust and satisfaction in customers.

4. Customer Interaction: Businesses should maintain continuous interaction with their customers in the virtual space. This includes responding to comments and feedback, being active on social networks, and enhancing customer relationships.

5. Online Advertising Management: Online advertising can help attract customer attention, but smart management of advertising and the use of effective advertising methods are of utmost importance. Optimizing advertising based on results and feedback is essential.

6. Maneuverability in Competition: In the online world, businesses need to be able to maneuver. This means adapting to rapid market changes, competition, and new opportunities.

7. Maintaining Online Security: Data and customer information security is of utmost importance. Security measures to protect customer information and prevent security breaches are necessary.