World Wide Web Day - Why is it Critical for MSMEs to have a Website?

Article by Nikhil Arora, Vice President and MD, GoDaddy India

Globally, World Wide Web Day is celebrated to mark the invention by Tim Berners-Lee of an internet-based communication system that changed the world.

Over the years, websites have helped small businesses to take their business global and make it visible to all customers with access to the internet. Many times, the ’World Wide Web’ has helped turn the dreams of entrepreneurs into a reality. Since the pandemic, there has been a new revolution in website adoption, especially amongst small businesses, making them realize the importance of online presence – when people were unable to open shops or meet people as they would have done previously.

Here are 5 reasons why small businesses should consider starting their own website:

1- Brand Awareness

The first milestone for every new business, irrespective of the size is to make it visible to the world, primarily to its target audience. Your business name may not explain what you do – therefore, it is pertinent for your consumers to know about your business - what it is, what it entails, and what purpose it stands for. Without a website, it becomes difficult for young businesses and start-ups to accomplish this goal as customers are unable to discover information about the company or business. GoDaddy’s WordPress hosting helps entrepreneurs build a robust website, including a WooComerce online store for small e-commerce owners, with features all in one convenient place.

2- Information Exchange

A website's primary function is to serve as a communication channel and act as an information resource for its visitors. The ease with which a website makes information available to visitors is important. The types of information people may be looking for include product advertisements or contact forms that solicit customer inquiries or requests and press releases that inform readers of any news. At the core of offering all these features, websites provide a direct flow of information to your target audience.

3- Consumer Insights

Modern websites have moved on since Tim Berners-Lee’s document management system, was launched to the public in 1991. Today it is simple to gather consumers’ insight and data in synchronization to help improve your customer offer or targeting. It could be current consumer trends or the buying behavior of their interests, website data and insight allow you to understand the needs of your potential customers and bring innovations to your business.

4- Competitive Edge

A successful business website is a sign of better reach, better identity, and a source of credible information. With credible information and the business understanding of consumer needs, websites are one-way businesses can have an edge over competitors.

5- Sales and Leads

The possibility of increasing revenue and sales is one reason many start a small business. With a website, your company is suddenly accessible to the entire world. This makes it easy for online businesses to overcome geographical barriers and expand their markets. This can lead to more sales which may help your business to expand, and small businesses can aim for the sky. GoDaddy provides all the tools and helps entrepreneurs need to succeed online or in person, by helping small business owners create an online presence.