For some, venturing into business begins with the creation of a website — marking a strong start to a prospect full of potential. For others, however, it’s an obligatory step long procrastinated — done to remain relevant and competitive in a ruthless and fast-paced market. Regardless, developing a website stands as a pivotal rite of passage for nearly all entrepreneurs in this era of digitalisation. 

But, did you know that some industries require websites more than others do?

Benefits of Having a Website

It goes without saying that most of us use the internet to search for information and entertainment. Here’s some context: there are about 5.35 billion internet users worldwide, and around 5.9 million people search on Google each minute!

As a business owner, being able to tap into this valuable resource can lead to a sequence of perks that impact your business in the short and long run. This is especially applicable to small and/or local businesses that have yet to get their name in the game, and are practically invisible otherwise.

Here’s what you could be missing out on if you’re putting off the development of what could possibly be your most effective marketing tool:

• Online Presence: Unrestricted by business hours, websites enable your business to be discovered and accessed 24/7. Websites also facilitate increased digital footprint through social media profiles and online directories. 
• Market Expansion: In the digital space, the world is your oyster. Geographic boundaries are no longer a problem with your site accessible to people all over the world. 
• Trust and Credibility: Websites instil a sense of trust in users and help to communicate the legitimacy of your brand to potential customers. For this to work, your website has to be professional and visually appealing. 
• Visibility and Identity: Visibility refers to how prominent and frequent you appear on the internet. Increasing your website’s visibility through strategies like search engine optimisation (SEO), content marketing, advertising and more can build a stronger brand identity and thus, more traffic. 
• Analytics and Insights: Websites can be integrated with analytic tools to provide insights into users and their behaviours. This allows business owners to create more room for improving user experience and capitalising on opportunities for better success.

With their manifold benefits, it would certainly be advantageous for businesses of all kinds to have a website of their own – particularly considering that their competitors likely already do. Nonetheless, below, we list the top five industries that must have a website today.

1. Retail and E-Commerce

Retail and e-commerce are both widespread categories that dominate offline and online markets respectively. They focus on the sale of products and services, such as clothes, electronic devices, furniture and food.

Although digital shopping has been around for a while now, the trend shot up significantly over the pandemic, cementing it as a norm that offers both convenience and flexibility. 

Brick-and-mortar stores and sellers on e-commerce platforms should explore websites to broaden their reach, showcase detailed information on their offerings, provide a more personalised and seamless experience, as well as offer exclusive incentives to appeal to consumers worldwide.

2. Technological Solutions

It’s almost a given that tech companies should place themselves at the forefront of the field by showing that they’ve set their sights straight – but this isn’t always the case. 

Whether you’re producing tech hardware like gadgets; software like games; or offering bespoke technological solutions like specialised tools, websites are one of (if not the most) effective platforms to establish your expertise, offer a wealth of knowledge, and even lend customer support. 

If you’re a tech company, what better place to prove that you’re a master of your domain other than a sleek, intuitive and dynamic website? 

3. Professional Services

Professional services are yet another broad-ranging industry. Notably, they encompass legal, consulting, marketing/advertising, human resources, real estate services and much more. Generally falling under local businesses, professional services can benefit from a website as it can quite literally put you on the map. 

In 2016, Google found that 88% of people who made local search queries visited a related store in the same week. In this manner, a website is essentially a self-sustaining lead generation strategy, especially if made mobile-friendly.

4. Hospitality and Travel

Can you imagine travelling in this day and age without the internet? The entire basis of travel has shifted online in recent years, from purchasing flight tickets and booking hotels to reserving restaurants and attractions. Tourism can never go back to the way it used to without the vast quantities of itineraries, reviews and tips available online. Likewise, travel agencies, hotels, tourist attractions and airlines require websites to accommodate the demands of their customers.

While this applies to overseas travel, local tourism isn’t spared from impending digital transformation either. Small local businesses such as cafes can stay ahead of the curve with a well-built website that serves as a place to share store information like NAP (name, address and phone number) and boost in-store footfall. For stores mainly serving locals in the vicinity, online orders and deliveries can also expand their customer base and increase revenue streams.

5. Home Services

In the past, it was common to have flyers advertising various home services pinned to refrigerators with magnets. Nowadays, however, when an emergency calling for maintenance and repair arises, most people simply reach for their phones to find a service provider they trust.

With Singapore’s high home ownership rate, a website can attract potential leads to discover and contact home service companies directly. It also serves as a platform to demonstrate credibility through ratings, testimonials and success stories; plus critical experience such as numbers of years in service, and extensive client portfolios.

Considering that on-demand home services are expected to experience significant growth by more than 50%, having a website is not just a way to thrive, but also to survive.

Supercharge Your Business with IXEN Interactive

Whether you’re immersed in dynamic e-commerce, navigating the fast-paced tech sector, thriving in competitive professional services, contributing to the crucial hospitality industry, or providing resilient home services, a digital storefront can empower you to achieve your desired outcomes – from increased traffic and engagement to skyrocketing leads and sales. 

IXEN Interactive is your partner in fulfilling that vision in Singapore. A digital agency with a solid foundation rooted in passion, experience and expertise, you can expect a website with 100% functionality and quality that satisfies both you as a business owner and your clients. 

Experience modern-day success unbound by space and time. Embrace the potential of web development with IXEN Interactive today, where every pixel serves to connect.