If you’re running a business today, you’ve probably been told you need a website. But let’s be honest—if you don’t understand why a website is important, or how it actually helps your business, it’s hard to get excited about spending money on one.

That’s where this guide comes in. I’m here to explain (in plain English) how a website can help your business grow, earn more money, and build trust with customers. By the end, you’ll not only see why a website is important but also understand what makes a good one.

Why Does Your Business Need a Website?

Think of a website as your business’s online home. It’s the place where potential customers go to learn about you, trust you, and decide whether to work with you. Without it, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to connect with people.

Here’s why having a website matters:

1. It Builds Trust

Let’s say you’re looking for a landscaper. You find one business with a simple, one-page website that lists their phone number and a couple of services. Another has a clean, professional site with photos of their team, glowing customer reviews, and examples of their work. Which would you trust more?

A well-designed website helps customers feel confident about your business. It’s proof that you’re real, professional, and serious about what you do.

2. It’s the Center of All Your Marketing

Every way you advertise—whether it’s a flyer, a yard sign, or a Facebook ad—should lead people to your website. Why? Because that’s where they’ll find all the details they need: what you do, how to contact you, and why they should choose you. Your potential customer has already shown interest in your brand by finding your website. You can track your customer's activity to find out what really interests your customer (via website tracking metrics, url conversion references, and more which we'll get into later).

Without a website, your marketing efforts are scattered. You might get lucky and have people call you directly, but a website ties everything together, making it easy for customers to take the next step.

3. It Gets People Ready to Buy

Your website can do a lot of the “selling” for you. When someone visits your site, they should immediately see why your business is the right choice. Things like before-and-after photos, testimonials, and clear pricing can help people feel confident about choosing you—sometimes even before they talk to you.

Mistakes Businesses Make with Their Websites

Not all websites are created equal. A poorly designed site can hurt your business just as much as not having one at all. Here are some common mistakes I’ve seen:

1. No Contact Info

Some websites make it hard to find basic information, like a phone number or email. Don’t make customers work to find you—put your contact info where they can’t miss it.

2. Confusing/Bad Layout

If people can’t quickly find what they’re looking for, they’ll leave. Your website should be easy to navigate, with a clear menu and simple organization.

3. No Social Proof

Testimonials and reviews are powerful. If your site doesn’t have any, you’re missing out on a chance to show customers that others trust you.

4. Too Flashy, Not Functional

A beautiful design is nice, but if your website doesn’t help people contact you or learn about your services, it’s not doing its job.

How a Website Helps Your Business Make Money

Here’s the part you care about: how does a website make you money?

1. It Brings You Leads

Your website isn’t just a digital brochure—it’s a tool for getting potential customers to contact you. A great site will include:

• Clear calls-to-action (e.g., “Call Now,” “Get a Free Quote”)

• Easy-to-use contact forms

• Offers like discounts or consultations to get people to take action

I've even found that adding a simple survey to your site—where visitors answer a few quick questions—can help you get more qualified leads.

2. It Keeps Your Business Top of Mind

Once someone visits your site, you can use ads to “follow” them around the internet. This is called retargeting, and it’s a super affordable way to stay visible. For example, if someone looks at your website today, they might see your ad on Facebook or Instagram tomorrow. It’s like giving your business a second (or third) chance to grab their attention.

3. It Shows You’re the Expert

Your website is the perfect place to show off what you do best. Whether it’s a gallery of your work, detailed service pages, or before-and-after photos, your site should make it clear why you’re the right choice.

For service-based businesses like contractors or landscapers, this kind of proof is what sets you apart from the competition.

4. It Helps You Qualify Leads

Not every inquiry is worth your time. A good website can weed out people who aren’t a good fit by clearly listing your services or including a form that asks for details about their needs. The more specific your website is, the less time you’ll spend chasing unqualified leads.

What Makes a Great Website?

Let’s talk about what a great website should include. These are the basics every business owner needs to know:

1. A Great First Impression

Your homepage should be clean, professional, and easy to understand. Visitors should know who you are, what you do, and how to contact you in seconds.

2. Clear Contact Information

Don’t make people search for your phone number, email, or location. Put it at the top of the page where it’s easy to see.

3. Testimonials and Reviews

Customers trust other customers. Add reviews, testimonials, or even ratings from Google or Yelp to show that people love what you do.

4. Team/About Us Pages

People like to know who they’re working with. Include photos of your team and a short story about your business to build trust and connection.

5. Mobile-Friendly Design

Most people will look at your site on their phone, so make sure it looks and works great on any screen size.

6. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

SEO helps people find your business online. This means making sure your website shows up in Google searches when people look for your type of business in their area.

7. Strong Calls-to-Action

Every page on your website should guide visitors toward taking action, whether that’s calling you, filling out a form, or scheduling an appointment.

How to Choose the Right Web Designer

If you’re thinking about getting a website, it’s important to work with someone who understands your business goals—not just someone who knows how to code. Here’s what to look for:

1. Focus on Results: A great designer won’t just make your site look good—they’ll build it to get you more customers.

2. Proven Experience: Ask to see examples of their work, especially for businesses like yours.

3. Transparent Pricing: Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting and how it will help your business.

At the end of the day, your website isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s the foundation of your business’s online presence. Without it, you’re missing out on potential customers, wasting money on marketing that doesn’t convert, and leaving your business open to being overlooked.

But a great website? It works for you 24/7. It builds trust, generates leads, and makes it easier for customers to choose you over the competition. If that sounds like something your business could use, it might be time to take the next step. After all, your website isn’t just for today—it’s an investment in the future of your business. The future is the internet.

If you’re looking for the right designer for your project or have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m here to help turn your website into a valuable tool for your business success!