Nowadays, having an online presence is more than just a cool trend for local businesses in the Philippines—it's almost a necessity.
When you create a website for your business, you open it to more opportunities and a wider audience.
Imagine your business running smoothly even while you're sipping your morning coffee…or even while sleeping.
So, why not make the most of the digital world? Here are 7 reasons why your local business should have a website.
1. It increases local visibility
Having a website for your local business in the Philippines can be like putting a big, neon "Welcome" sign above your shop.
When potential customers search online for services or products you offer, a website helps them find you faster.
Trailblazer is on the first page for plenty of business-related keywords.
With more Filipinos using the internet to find what they need, being online gives you a wider audience reach.
Your website can be a magnet for potential customers who didn’t even know your business existed.
A website also makes it easier for your customers to share your business with their friends.
When someone likes your product or service, they can easily share your website link on social media or in group chats. With these tools, even a small business can get noticed more in their local community.
2. Your business has 24/7 information availability
Imagine your store never closes - that's what having a business website offers you.
Your customers can access your products and services anytime, anywhere...kahit dis-oras ng gabi. This ensures that potential customers can always find answers to their questions.
With a website, you can showcase frequently asked questions (FAQs), product details, and your contact information.
While Trailblazer is not a local business website, I do have a small e-commerce store attached to it. I sell a bunch of low-priced digital goods, but it’s still a good feeling when you’re just driving and suddenly you’ll get a GCash payment transaction.
This saves you time answering the same inquiries repeatedly while giving potential clients the info they need right away!
Updating information is a breeze, too.
When you have a special promo, new product, or important announcement, you can immediately share it online.
This way, your audience stays informed without waiting for business hours or relying on social media.
3. It’s cost-effective marketing
Building a website for your local business in the Philippines won’t break the bank.
It's a cheaper alternative to traditional marketing methods like newspapers or TV ads.
You pay a one-time fee for creating the website and smaller ongoing costs for maintenance.
4. Improves customer trust and credibility
Having a website helps your business build trust with your customers.
When potential clients see that your negosyo has an online presence, it shows them that you're serious and not a mere fly-by-night business. To put it simply, it makes you look legit!
A website can also boost credibility by giving information about your services or products.
You can also showcase customer testimonials and success stories for an extra credibility boost.
A website makes sure your business is seen and heard. People are more likely to trust a business they can find on the internet. Konting humor lang: If a tree falls in the forest and you don't post it online, did it even happen?
PRO TIP: Compile your raving reviews on a page single “Review” page or sprinkle 1-2 reviews across major landing pages. Either way, they should increase your conversion rate! More on this tip below.
5. It showcases your products
A website acts like your online sari-sari store, open 24/7.
Customers can check out your products anytime without needing to visit in person, or without you having to continuously upload images or publish new posts. It's like having a tindera who never sleeps!
If you have an e-commerce store, displaying detailed photos and descriptions of your goods can attract more buyers.
6. Allows you to offer online booking and appointments
Adding online booking to your business is like having a cashier that never sleeps.
With a website, customers can book services whenever they want. This is especially handy for medical clinics that need to manage appointments efficiently.
Customers appreciate the convenience of booking online, which can help you stand out against your competitors.
Having an online schedule means that even on holidays, customers won't need to call—no more missed opportunities!
Having an online booking system also allows you to track appointment trends.
This can give you more insight into peak times so you can offer discounts or promos to fill up the slow hours. Imagine turning those quiet afternoons into busy ones!
7. Enables you to gather customer insights and analytics
Creating a website for your local business in the Philippines can give you valuable data about your customers thanks to easy integration with Google Analytics or Bing Webmaster Tools.
Our laundry and sari-sari store pages receive 2,000+ pageviews every month.
Understanding their behavior helps you make better business decisions. Think of it as seeing who comes to your store, and identifying what products they like the most.
Analytics can also:
These help you focus your marketing efforts where it matters most.
Pro tips to make the most out of your website
To maximize your website's impact, focus on:
You should also:
These elements can significantly enhance your site's usability and attractiveness.
Showcase customer testimonials and success stories
Featuring customer testimonials and success stories can greatly boost your credibility.
Genuine feedback from customers helps build trust and shows potential clients that you're reliable. Including real experiences creates a connection with your audience, making your business more relatable.
When thinking of your website’s design or layout, consider adding a rotating quote section on your homepage.
Testimonials from my SEO training course.
For example, if Anna from Cebu raves about your superb customer service, make sure her glowing remarks are front and center for others to see!
DON’T write fake reviews. You may be able to trick some people, but at the end of the day, you’ll show your true colors through the quality of your product or service.
Highlight professional achievements and certifications
Displaying your professional achievements and certifications can set you apart from competitors.
Successful case studies from my portfolio website, YeshQuijano.com
It assures customers that you’re skilled and qualified in your field.
Credentials offer reassurance and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards.
For instance, if you've received a Best in Customer Service Award in 2023, a badge or logo on your site can act as a silent salesman, convincing potential customers of your excellence without saying a word.
Provide easy access to product information
Simplifying how clients find product information is vital.
Clear, concise details about your offerings ensure visitors can quickly understand what you have available.
Providing user-friendly access to this information can improve the customer journey on your site.
A practical example is creating a dedicated product page on your site with organized categories or a search feature.
A "mega menu" makes it easy to navigate through the website.
For example, a shopper looking for an inventory tracker template should find what they need in just a few clicks.
Offer customer support and live chat
If there's one way to win customers over, it's through excellent support.
A live chat feature provides real-time assistance and can answer queries instantly.
This convenience can turn hesitant visitors into paying customers by giving them the confidence to make a purchase.
For example, a customer pondering a shoe purchase but unsure about sizes can easily lead to a sale with the help of a friendly chat with a rep resolving their query.
Harness the power of SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your website rank higher in search results. This in turn attracts more visitors to your website.
Using the right keywords, optimizing your site speed, and ensuring mobile responsiveness can significantly enhance your online visibility.
PRO TIP: If you're selling handmade bayongs, use specific phrases like "eco-friendly bayong Philippines" in your content.
This helps your site show up when someone searches those terms, ultimately drawing more potential customers your way.
Integrate social media
Integrating social media with your website can increase engagement.
Social platforms can drive traffic to your site and help you connect with your audience.
It’s a two-way street where you share updates, and visitors can interact with your content.
It keeps your site dynamic and encourages visitors to follow your accounts, ensuring they stay updated and engaged with your business.
Our tip? Have a presence on these platforms:
- Tiktok
- YouTube
Should you invest in a website?
If you don’t have a website, investing in having one created might be the best thing you’ll do for your business this year.
Sure, there are some upfront costs involved, but the maintenance costs are very manageable and you’ll get more benefits in return.
Ready to get a website up and running? We’d like to help - contact us today.
