Can you start a business without a website?

Can you imagine starting a business without a website in 2024? It might sound like swimming upstream in a world dominated by online presence, but it’s actually more achievable than you think!

A good website is often seen as the golden ticket to business success. This blog will explore the question of whether there’s a different path that businesses can use to thrive.

What are the benefits of your business having a website?

If you’re still pondering whether you can start a business without a website, let’s first explore the key benefits that having one can offer.

Credibility and professionalism

A well-designed website goes a long way to lending credibility to your business. It acts as a digital storefront, showcasing your products or services with a professional image. It’s often the first place people look when they hear about a business. And if your site is polished? It can help make a great first impression.

24/7 Availability

You might need to sleep, but a website doesn’t! A website is accessible around the clock which means potential customers can learn about your business, browse your products or services and even make a purchase, even when you’re not actually working. 

Broader reach

A website isn’t limited by geographical boundaries like an in-store location might be. They can be used to reach a global audience which means that when your marketing is done right, it’s a huge awareness driver.

Cost-effective marketing

A website provides a platform for many marketing strategies. From SEO (search engine optimisation) to PPC ads (pay per click), all can be used to drive traffic back to your site. These tools can be extremely useful when engaging customers for a relatively low cost. Often much lower than more traditional marketing methods like TV adverts, billboards or even mailshot leaflets. 

Customer insights

Another key benefit is that they provide valuable data on customer behaviour. Analytics tools can track interactions which can help you understand what works and what doesn’t. This in turn can help you make more informed decisions for your business. 

Wondering whether you can make money writing online? Check out our article where we cover the different ways you can turn your hobby into a business!
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The disadvantages of having a business website

While it’s true that a website offers many advantages, we’re going to weigh the challenges and potential drawbacks too. This way you’ll be able to decide whether you want to start a business without a website.

Initial costs and maintenance

Creating and maintaining a website can be costly. Initial setup expenses, ongoing hosting fees, and potential costs for professional design and development can quickly add up! And that’s without considering regular updates and security measures too.

Technical challenges

Managing a website isn’t as easy as it looks! You need to be able to ensure it’s working properly, optimise it for search engines and also address any cybersecurity issues too. For business owners who aren’t tech-savvy this can be a huge challenge.

Huge competition

With any website you also face the challenge of standing out in a saturated digital space. There are so many sites out there that simply having one doesn’t guarantee visibility. Effective SEO and marketing strategies are necessary to drive visibility and traffic.

Ongoing effort

You can’t just set up a website and forget about it. It needs constant attention to stay relevant. 

This includes:

• Updating content,
• Checking for broken links,
• Keeping up with design trends, 
• Updating prices for products and services,
• Adding new reviews to keep trust signals high,
• And more!

Neglecting these aspects can result in a site that looks outdated or performs poorly. 

Still thinking about whether running a business is for you? Check out our article to explore the benefits of being self-employed!
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5 Ways to promote your business without a website

With a clearer understanding of the challenges and benefits associated with having a website, let’s explore practical ways to promote your business without one.

1. Utilise social media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn are powerful tools for building your brand and reaching customers.

Things you should be doing:

• Regularly posting engaging content, 
• Running targeted ad campaigns,
• Interacting with your audience/followers.

2. Make sure you’re listed on local directories

Register your business on local directories and business listings. Think of things like Google My Business, Yelp and other locality and industry specific directories. These platforms can help you enhance your local visibility and help customers find your business.

3. Network in person

Attend industry events, local meetups and trade shows. These can be a great way to promote your business - all without needing a website! Face-to-face interactions can help you build relationships, exchange business cards and spread the word about your business.

4. Use email marketing

Now you might be wondering how you can do this without a website but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. You can collect email addresses through networking and events or through social media competitions. These can then be used to send out newsletters, promos, updates or anything else relevant to your business. Regular communication helps keep your audience engaged!

5. Think about partnering with other businesses

Forming partnerships with complementary businesses can expand your reach hugely. They can help you reach new customers and increase visibility in your industry. 

How you can partner with other businesses:

• Cross-promotions,
• Joint ventures,
• Or referral programmes are all great ways to do this.
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Charting your own path - success with or without a website

While having a website definitely offers numerous benefits, it’s not the only way to launch a business. If a website isn’t currently in your plans, then there are a number of ways you can still get yourself out there.

Whether you’re looking to start a side hustle or you’re looking to start a business full time, you need to make sure you’re staying tax compliant! You can even join CrunchONE to simplify your accounting as you start your business journey. And while you’re at it, make sure to check out our essential bookkeeping tips for the self-employed!

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