Avoid the risks of social media: Build a small business website today.

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Why every small business should have its own website

In the digital age, having an online presence is no longer a luxury but a necessity for small businesses. Despite this reality, many small business owners still rely solely on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to connect with customers and generate sales.

Recent events, including the temporary shutdown and subsequent reinstatement of TikTok, highlight the inherent risks of depending solely on third-party platforms for business operations. This article explores why every small business needs its own website and how platforms like Squarespace make it easy and affordable to establish one.

The risks of solely relying on social media

Vulnerability to platform changes

Social media platforms are constantly evolving. Algorithm updates, policy changes, and platform shutdowns can drastically affect how businesses interact with their audiences. The TikTok ban in the United States serves as a cautionary tale.

During this uncertain period, countless small business owners who depended on TikTok for marketing and sales were left scrambling for alternatives. Similarly, Facebook pages have faced issues such as hacking or account bans, leaving business owners unable to access their profiles and connect with their customers.

Limited control over your presence

When you rely on social media platforms, you’re essentially building your business on rented land. These platforms control your data, dictate the terms of engagement, and have the power to change or restrict access to your audience without notice. If your account gets suspended, hacked, or deleted, your business operations can grind to a halt.

Lost opportunities for branding and credibility

A website allows you to establish your brand identity and build trust with your customers. While social media platforms offer some customisation, they lack the flexibility and professionalism that a dedicated website can provide. Customers often perceive businesses with their own websites as more credible and trustworthy.

Why a website is essential for small businesses

Complete control over your content

Having your own website ensures that you control your online presence. You decide what content to showcase, how it’s presented, and when it’s updated. Unlike social media platforms, where content visibility is dictated by algorithms, a website gives you the freedom to design your customer’s journey.

Improved customer accessibility

A website serves as a centralised hub where customers can find all the information they need about your business—from your products and services to your contact details and business hours. It’s accessible 24/7, ensuring potential customers can reach you at any time.

Enhanced marketing opportunities

With a website, you can leverage search engine optimisation (SEO) to increase your visibility and attract organic traffic. Tools like blogs, landing pages, and email sign-up forms allow you to engage with your audience in meaningful ways that are not limited by social media algorithms.

Resilience against external changes

A website acts as an anchor for your business, providing stability and continuity regardless of what happens on external platforms. By having a website, you ensure that your business remains accessible and operational, even if a social media platform experiences downtime or undergoes significant changes.

Setting up a website is easy and affordable with Squarespace

One of the reasons many small business owners hesitate to create a website is the misconception that it’s complicated or expensive. Squarespace dispels these myths by offering an intuitive and affordable platform for building professional websites. Here’s why Squarespace is an excellent choice for small businesses:

Key features of Squarespace

1. User-friendly interface

Squarespace’s drag-and-drop builder makes it easy for anyone, even without technical expertise, to create a visually appealing website. Its intuitive interface allows you to customise your site without needing to write a single line of code.

2. Professional templates

Squarespace offers a wide range of professionally designed templates tailored to various industries. These templates are mobile-responsive, ensuring your website looks great on any device.

3. Built-in SEO tools

Squarespace includes robust SEO tools that help improve your website’s search engine rankings. Features like customisable meta tags, automatic sitemap generation, and clean URLs ensure your site is optimised for search engines.

4. E-commerce capabilities

For businesses selling products or services online, Squarespace provides comprehensive e-commerce tools. You can manage inventory, process payments, and track orders seamlessly. Integration with payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay makes transactions simple.

5. Marketing tools

Squarespace includes built-in marketing features such as email campaigns, social media integrations, and analytics. These tools help you track performance, engage with your audience, and refine your strategies.

6. Secure and reliable hosting

Squarespace provides secure hosting, ensuring your website is always available and protected from cyber threats. With automatic updates and SSL certificates, you can focus on running your business without worrying about technical maintenance.

7. Customer support

Squarespace offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email, ensuring you have assistance whenever you need it.

How to set up your website using Squarespace

1. Sign up

Visit Squarespace’s website and create an account. Squarespace offers a free trial, allowing you to explore its features before committing to a plan.

2. Choose a template

Browse through Squarespace’s library of templates and select one that suits your business. You can filter templates based on your industry or preferred layout.

3. Customise your site

Use the drag-and-drop editor to personalise your website. Add your business logo, change colours and fonts, and upload images to reflect your brand identity. You can also create pages like Home, About, Services, and Contact.

6. Add content

Populate your website with relevant content, including product descriptions, blog posts, and customer testimonials. Ensure your content is optimised for SEO by using relevant keywords and including meta descriptions.

7. Set up e-commerce (optional)

If you plan to sell products or services online, set up an online store. Add product listings, configure payment options, and set shipping rates. Squarespace’s e-commerce tools make this process straightforward.

8. Connect your domain

Purchase a domain through Squarespace or connect an existing one. A custom domain adds professionalism and credibility to your website.

9. Launch your website

Once you’re satisfied with your site, choose a subscription plan that fits your budget and needs. Plans start as low as US$16 per month. After selecting a plan, publish your website and start sharing it with your audience.

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Relying solely on social media platforms to run your small business is a risky strategy. The uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s availability and the vulnerabilities of Facebook pages underscore the importance of owning a dedicated website. Platforms like Squarespace make it easy and affordable to create a professional online presence, providing the control, flexibility, and security your business needs to thrive.

Investing in a website is not just a step forward; it’s a safeguard against future disruptions. Take control of your business’s online presence today by building your website with Squarespace. Visit Squarespace’s website to get started.

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