Full Transcript
Lauren: So I was talking to a friend who runs a really cute boutique... and she was like, why do I need a website? I have Instagram. I have a Facebook page. People find me there.
Honor: Welcome to the 805 Web Minute with Lauren and Honor... We make interwebs and website stuff make sense... Let's get into it.
Honor: Okay, so here's the thing... 81 percent of people research a business online before they ever walk through the door or call.
Lauren: 81 percent? That's like... almost everyone.
Honor: Yeah. And here's the kicker... 31 percent of consumers have decided not to shop at a small business specifically because it didn't have a website.
Lauren: Wait, one in three people just... walk away? Before they even try the business?
Honor: Exactly. And they don't think, oh, they must be too busy to have a website. They think... this business isn't legit. Or maybe they're not around anymore.
Lauren: Oh no. That's brutal.
Honor: And your friend with the Facebook page... here's the problem with relying on social media. She doesn't own it. Facebook changes the algorithm, suddenly her posts reach fewer people. They push paid ads, her visibility drops.
Lauren: So it's like... renting space in someone else's building. And they can raise the rent whenever they want. Or knock down a wall.
Honor: That's a perfect way to put it. With a website, you own your shop. It shows up in Google. It works 24/7. It doesn't depend on whether someone happens to scroll past at the right time.
Lauren: And Google actually prefers websites over social pages, right?
Honor: Yes! When someone searches for, I don't know, best coffee shop in Pismo Beach... a real website beats a Facebook page pretty much every time.
Lauren: So if you only have a Facebook page, you're basically invisible to Google.
Honor: Pretty much. And here's another stat... 88 percent of people who do a local search on their phone visit or call a business within 24 hours.
Lauren: Oh wow. So those are hot leads. Ready to buy.
Honor: Right. And if you're not showing up? They're going to your competitor who does have a website.
Lauren: That's like having a store with no sign on the door. People are walking right past you because they don't even know you exist.
Honor: Exactly. And the website does more than just exist... it answers questions while you sleep. Your hours, your services, how to contact you. All there, all the time.
Lauren: Okay, so what's the one thing my friend should do?
Honor: Google your own business. Right now. See what shows up. If it's just a Facebook page or worse, nothing... that's what your customers are seeing too.
Lauren: So the moral of the story is... Google yourself. And if you don't like what you see, maybe it's time for a website.
Lauren: And if you want someone to handle all of it... give YouGrow a call!
Honor: Yeah. 79 dollars a month. Month-to-month. No setup fee for our founding members. We build your site, we handle updates, security, everything... forever. You never have to log into anything. And we're right here in Arroyo Grande. Local support.
Lauren: Love it. Alright, this has been 805 Web Minute. Thanks for listening!