Blog Layout

BACK
Five Reasons Why Businesses Need a Website
Taylor Tunnison • January 21, 2022

There are many reasons why businesses need a website, but about a quarter of small businesses don’t have one. This may be because small teams rarely have the time, skills, or spare capital to build their own. Some might even think they don’t need one if they already have a strong social media following. In reality, every business needs a website because it builds trust, customers expect it, and the ROI is undeniable.

1. Customers Are Online

The internet has transformed the way modern businesses operate. In the past, entrepreneurs were able to build a company with nothing more than a single physical storefront. This is rarely the case these days, as the average American spends about 7 hours online per day. Customers now expect to find information about products and services online. Whether they need new shoes, directions, or a question answered, internet users usually begin with a search engine.


Search engines rank websites based on hundreds of factors including content, activity, and optimization. Highly ranked websites receive a majority of search engine traffic, which means they attract the most attention. In fact, over 70% of users never go past the first page of Google Search results. Businesses that take advantage of this position themselves for success since consumers conduct research online before making a purchase. They use websites and search engines to verify business phone numbers, locations, hours of operation, and products or services. If you don’t have a website, it communicates that your company doesn’t prioritize customer service. That’s certainly not the signal you want to be sending.

2. Websites Build Trust

Websites serve a wide variety of purposes. From online shopping to education and entertainment, the potential applications are nearly limitless. This presents an excellent opportunity for companies to establish and develop their credibility from the very first click. A report from Stanford University found that 75% of internet users judge a company’s credibility based on web design. Businesses which adapt to this fact may gain a leg up on their competition over time.

 

Consumers are becoming tech-savvy, eagerly discovering and researching their new favorite brands online. They want to know whether or not a business is authentic. That’s why it’s so important to have a website that displays an address, if possible, and a phone number. This encourages individuals to get in touch with you at a moment’s notice. A custom domain name also shows that you genuinely value the user’s experience. Ideally, it should be short, simple, and directly related to your company’s name or industry.

3. Identity Creates Connection

An optimized website builds a solid online foundation for any organization. It can be thoroughly customized with unique branding elements like logos, slogans, colors, and designs. This helps to establish any company’s brand identity, which affects how individuals perceive its goals, vision, and purpose.


Consumer behavior is often driven by what others have to say about a company. They expect to be able to view a website for more information about a particular brand. Providing this digital reference is a great way to develop long-term trust with diverse audiences. People tend to respond best to brands that prioritize innovative insights, greater usability, and global perspectives. Over time, companies that acknowledge and orient towards such priorities separate themselves from competitors. Distinct brand identities encourage connection with those who share values through genuine emotional responses.


Truly genuine brands are widely recognized as industry leaders. These companies set the competitive pace and pave the way for others to follow. Their websites are visually appealing, user-friendly resources that educate visitors, showcase achievements, and make it easy to get in touch.

4. Ecommerce Boosts Sales

Online sales are exploding, and this trend is expected to continue. Put simply, websites are basically digital storefronts. Even if you don’t consider yourself an ecommerce company, an online store can boost in-person sales. It supplements revenue by allowing new customers to easily find your products and services with a quick search.


A website isn’t only for reaching customers across the country, either. It’s also a great way to attract nearby shoppers because many online searches come from locals looking to buy. This is especially true of mobile users searching for a store, restaurant, or service provider while on the go. If your company’s website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re missing out on opportunities to attract nearby customers. Online shopping is the new normal, and mobile users expect high-functioning digital stores. Brands across various industries recognize this digital shift and are investing in online shopping experiences. In fact, data suggests that 10 years’ worth of ecommerce growth occurred in the first quarter of 2020 alone.


Consumers often prefer brands that provide free shipping, delivery tracking, and are environmentally conscious. They expect easy online browsing, simple customization, and secure payment across a wide age range of browsers and devices. Not only are online stores helpful for shoppers, they benefit businesses, too. Google research shows that consumers who interacted with business websites and mobile apps together spent more money on average. Their loyalty seemed to improve, as well, which translated to higher customer lifetime values. Meet your customers online and they’re much more likely to make return purchases moving forward.

5. Digital Marketing Works

Companies without a website often use traditional methods like print, TV, and radio ads to promote products and services. However, placing ads in expensive and outdated channels is rarely the best use of funds. Fortunately, digital approaches are a great way to improve marketing efficiency. 


Websites are now fairly affordable and give businesses access to a far wider audience than conventional marketing channels. Furthermore, hours spent online increase year-after-year, as do the total number of internet users. By maintaining a stellar website, your business can offer value and connect with both new and repeat customers.


One of the best digital techniques is known as content marketing. This strategic approach involves consistently offering engaging resources that answer questions and provide people with real benefits. It often increases sales, generates more leads, and costs less than traditional advertising methods. The value of content cannot be overstated in a world with countless sources of online education and entertainment. It can take almost any form, such as eBooks, blog posts, news articles, podcasts, videos, and live webinars. Business websites can easily feature any of these resources for free or a fee. Effective content marketing promotes brand loyalty and genuine emotional connections which can last a lifetime.


Websites are essential for marketing in the 21st century. When designed properly, they load quickly, provide value, and can even support 24/7 online shopping. Consumers expect to find their favorite brands on the internet, especially via search engines like Google. Companies that wish to be competitive in the digital age owe it to themselves and their customers to be online. If your business still needs a website or you have questions, we hope you’ll contact us for more information. We’d be honored to help you successfully navigate the rising tide of digital marketing strategies.


Originally published on January 21st, 2021

Are You Interested In More?

SCHEDULE A MEETING

Share This Post With Your Friends

Latest Posts

By Rachel Hayden March 11, 2025
As we begin 2025, businesses must adapt to new trends and challenges of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) as it continues to become more relevant. Whether you're running a small startup or an established company, a robust SEO strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential.  Here’s why your business needs a strong SEO strategy in 2025: 1. Increased Competition in the Digital Space As more businesses invest in online marketing, the digital marketplace is becoming increasingly crowded. In 2025, there will be even more companies vying for attention across search engines, social media platforms, and beyond. SEO is the key to standing out. A well-executed SEO strategy helps ensure that your website ranks higher on search engine results pages (SERPs) , making it more likely that potential customers will find your business before they find your competitors. 2. Google’s Algorithm Updates Keep Changing Google's algorithms are constantly evolving to provide users with the most relevant, high-quality search results. In 2025, it’s expected that Google will continue to refine its ranking system with updates focusing on user intent, mobile-first indexing, and even more advanced AI-based algorithms. A strong SEO strategy helps businesses keep up with these changes and ensures that their website is optimized for each update, preventing a drop in rankings. 3. User Experience (UX) Will Be More Important Than Ever Google has increasingly emphasized the importance of a positive user experience as a ranking factor. In 2025, factors like site speed, mobile optimization, easy navigation, and relevant content will continue to play a crucial role in determining where your site ranks. A strong SEO strategy focuses not only on keyword optimization but also on creating a seamless and user-friendly experience for visitors, helping to keep users engaged and coming back for more. 4. Voice Search and AI Will Dominate With the rise of voice search through smart devices like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, optimizing for voice search will be more important than ever. As people ask questions in a more conversational tone, businesses must adapt their SEO strategies to include long-tail keywords and natural language. Additionally, AI advancements will make personalized search results the norm, making it essential to provide high-quality, relevant content tailored to your audience's needs. 5. SEO Provides Long-Term Results Unlike paid advertising, SEO offers long-term benefits that compound over time. While ads can deliver instant results, SEO can generate organic traffic that steadily increases as your website climbs the search rankings. In 2025, a strong SEO strategy will provide your business with sustained growth, ensuring that your content continues to be discoverable and valuable to your target audience. 6. Local SEO is Key for Small and Medium Businesses For small and medium-sized businesses , local SEO will remain one of the most effective ways to connect with customers in your area. In 2025, local search queries are expected to grow, as users seek businesses near them. Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile, ensuring your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) information is consistent, and generating positive customer reviews will be essential components of your local SEO strategy. 7. Content Marketing and SEO Go Hand-in-Hand Content marketing and SEO are a dynamic duo that, when paired together, can create powerful results. As search engines continue to prioritize high-quality, relevant content, having an SEO strategy that aligns with your content marketing efforts will help you rank higher and connect with your target audience. In 2025, content creation will be more than just producing blog posts—it will involve creating videos, infographics, and podcasts that serve your audience’s needs while being optimized for search. 8. The Shift Towards Mobile-First In 2025, mobile-first indexing will be more important than ever. With the growing reliance on smartphones and tablets, Google primarily uses the mobile version of your site to determine rankings. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re likely missing out on valuable traffic. A strong SEO strategy ensures that your website is optimized for mobile, offering users a seamless browsing experience no matter what device they’re on. 9. Measurable ROI One of the biggest advantages of SEO is that its results are trackable and measurable. You can monitor the success of your SEO strategy by tracking key metrics like organic traffic, bounce rate, conversion rates, and keyword rankings. With the right tools and analytics in place, you can clearly see how your SEO efforts are impacting your bottom line, making it easier to adjust strategies as needed to maximize results. 10. SEO Builds Trust and Credibility Trust is a key factor in customer decision-making. Websites that rank well in search engines are often perceived as more credible and trustworthy. A strong SEO strategy not only focuses on ranking but also on providing value through helpful, informative, and well-crafted content. By demonstrating expertise and addressing customer needs, you can build trust with your audience, increasing the likelihood of conversions and brand loyalty. Stay Relevant With SEO As we enter 2025, SEO will continue to be one of the most valuable tools for businesses looking to succeed in a competitive digital landscape. A solid SEO strategy ensures that your business stays relevant, competitive, and visible to potential customers. Whether you’re looking to improve your website’s user experience, capitalize on local SEO, or build a content marketing plan, now is the time to invest in SEO for long-term growth and success. If you’re looking to get started or optimize your existing SEO strategy, True North Technologies is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can help you grow your online presence and achieve measurable results!
By Rachel Hayden March 6, 2025
With billions of users online, brands are constantly fighting for attention. Consumers are bombarded with ads, emails, and social media content every day, making it harder than ever to break through the noise. So, how can businesses stand out and create lasting impressions? The answer lies in authentic connections—building real relationships with your audience instead of just selling to them. At True North Technologies, we believe that digital marketing is more than just clicks and conversions; it’s about creating meaningful interactions that foster trust, loyalty, and long-term success. Here’s why authentic connections matter in digital marketing. 1. Consumers Crave Realness Today’s consumers are savvier than ever. They can spot a generic ad or sales pitch from a mile away, and they’re not easily swayed by overly polished, impersonal messaging. Instead, they gravitate toward brands that feel genuine, relatable, and human. One of the best ways to showcase authenticity is through organic content —unpaid, value-driven posts that highlight your brand’s personality, mission, and customer experiences. By using organic messaging, behind-the-scenes content, and real customer experiences, businesses can create a sense of transparency and trust—two factors that are essential for building strong relationships. Whether it’s through social media, email marketing, or paid advertising, your messaging should feel personal, not robotic. 2. Trust Leads to Loyalty Trust is the foundation of any successful brand. When customers feel like they know and understand a brand, they’re more likely to engage, buy, and advocate for it. But trust isn’t built overnight—it requires consistent, honest communication. One way to establish credibility is by showcasing user-generated content (UGC) and real customer testimonials. When potential customers see others sharing positive experiences with your brand, they’re more likely to believe in your product or service. Additionally, responding to comments, reviews, and messages in a thoughtful and authentic way reinforces that you value your audience’s voice. 3. Authenticity Improves Engagement People engage with content that resonates with them emotionally. Authentic digital marketing doesn’t just tell people what they want to hear—it speaks to their values, interests, and pain points. This is why brands that embrace organic content see higher engagement rates across digital platforms. Unlike paid ads, organic content allows brands to connect with their audience in a more natural way. Sharing stories, educational content, and interactive posts creates a two-way conversation that keeps followers engaged. Brands that humanize their messaging by sharing behind-the-scenes content, team highlights, or even admitting mistakes (and showing how they’ve improved) foster deeper emotional connections. Simon Sinek's "Golden Circle" concept can be particularly helpful here. By focusing on why your brand exists before explaining what you do and how you do it, you’ll establish a deeper emotional connection with your audience. Consumers are more likely to engage with a brand that shares its purpose and values, rather than simply promoting a product or service. 4. Personalization Enhances the Customer Experience Personalized marketing is another way to create authentic connections with your audience. People don’t want to feel like just another number in your sales funnel; they want to feel like they matter. Using data-driven insights , brands can craft highly relevant content tailored to individual preferences and behaviors. Whether it’s through personalized email campaigns, dynamic website content, or targeted digital ads, brands that speak directly to their audience’s needs create stronger, more meaningful relationships. 5. Authentic Brands Stand the Test of Time Trends come and go, but authenticity never goes out of style. Brands that prioritize real, human connections don’t just gain customers—they build communities. By fostering long-term relationships instead of focusing solely on short-term gains, businesses can create sustainable growth and brand loyalty that lasts for years. At True North Technologies , we help brands craft authentic digital marketing strategies that go beyond surface-level tactics. From social media and content marketing to paid digital advertising, we focus on creating real connections that drive real results. Ready to Build Authentic Connections? If you’re looking to elevate your digital marketing strategy with authenticity at its core, we’re here to help. Let’s create a marketing approach that feels human, builds trust, and drives lasting success. Contact us today to get started!
By Rachel Hayden February 5, 2025
Owning a website is essential for businesses, personal brands, and entrepreneurs looking to grow their brand and establish an online presence. The first step to creating your website is securing a domain name. A domain is your website’s unique address on the internet, such as www.yourbusiness.com . If you're unsure where to start, this guide will walk you through the process of buying a domain name. Step 1: Choose the Right Domain Name Before purchasing a domain, it's important to decide on a name that aligns with your brand and is easy to remember. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect domain name: Keep it short and simple. Use keywords relevant to your business (or try using your business name if available.) Avoid numbers and hyphens. Choose a memorable and brandable name. Ensure it’s easy to spell and pronounce. Step 2: Check Domain Availability Once you have a name in mind, check if it’s available using a domain registrar. Websites like GoDaddy and Hover allow you to search for available domain names and provide alternative suggestions if your desired name is taken. Step 3: Choose a Domain Extension Domain extensions (also known as top-level domains or TLDs) include .com, .net, .org, and many more. The .com extension is the most popular and widely recognized, but depending on your industry, you might consider alternatives like: .org for nonprofits and organizations .net for technology-based businesses .shop for e-commerce stores .tech for technology-focused sites Step 4: Register Your Domain Once you’ve found an available domain name and chosen an extension, it’s time to register it. Here’s how: Select a trusted domain registrar such as GoDaddy or Hover. Add your domain to the cart and proceed to checkout. Choose the registration period (typically one year, with renewal options). Opt for domain privacy protection to keep your personal information secure. Complete the purchase. Step 5: Connect Your Domain to a Website After purchasing your domain, you need to connect it to a website. If you already have a hosting provider (like WordPress.com or SiteGround), follow their instructions to link your domain. If you haven’t chosen a hosting provider yet, consider purchasing one that offers domain registration and website hosting in one package. Step 6: Renew Your Domain Regularly Domain names require annual renewal to stay active. Set up auto-renewal or mark your calendar to ensure you don’t lose ownership of your domain. Offering Secure Website Solutions Since 2019 Buying a domain is the first step to building your online presence. By following these steps, you can secure a professional and brandable domain name that helps establish credibility and attract visitors. If you need assistance with website development , SEO, or digital marketing, True North Technologies is here to help! Need Help Getting Started? Contact True North Technologies today to learn more about our digital solutions!
Share by: