Do I Really Need A Website?

A lot of people ask whether they need a website to make their homestead self-sustaining. Your goal is to cover the costs of your homestead, and in order to do that you need to sell or barter things you make with other people in your community.

So, should you get a website? Let's go over the common questions we hear from small town and rural businesses about whether they need a website.

1. What If My Business Is Too Small For A Website?

When people say their business is too small for a website what they often mean is they don’t have time to invest in a website, however a website helps potential customers find you without you having to reach out to them directly, so it doesn’t just save you time and money, it makes you money.

If you are in the first phase of the Homestead Business Success Path, you need to find a way to reach more potential customers, so you can grow your business and get to phase two, where you are covering some of the costs of your goats and chickens, or whatever you have (click here to read more about that here).

You don’t want to remain a small business indefinitely, so you have to invest in the tools for the job. Just like your tractor, or your automatic watering system, a good website is an important investment. It will help customers discover your business.

2. Do I Have To Be Tech-Savvy To Manage A Website?

We often hear small business being concerned the learning curve is too steep or updating their website takes too much time because it is complicated.

However, this really depends on the software you use to manage your website.

With our Homesteader Website, we have made it very easy and simple to use. You don't need to know how to code or do anything fancy. You can add articles, send newsletters, and update the front page using just your phone.

3. Can A Website Be Affordable? 

Again, depending on who you decide to go with for your website, it can be very cost-effective and affordable. A professional, well-optimized website will make you more money than it costs. It offers a better return on your investment than any other form of marketing and advertising.

A website will help your customers find the answer to their basic questions, without needing to call you. Over time, your investment in your website will pay you back tenfold by driving you new customers.

4. What If My Customers Aren’t Big Computer Users?

When you want to look up movie times, get the weather report, or look up a phone number for a business you want to buy from, where do you look? The first thing you do is go to your favorite search engine. They may not be tech-savvy or spend hours on the Internet, but your customers are definitely on the Internet.

5. What If I Am Not Interested In An Online Shop?

This is a big misconception a lot of people have. You don’t need an online shop to benefit from a website. Your website will sell your products and services whether you are taking payment online, in person, or over the phone. 

When it comes down to it, people buy from businesses they know, like, and trust. Over half of people stated that they won’t trust a business without a website, so getting a professional website really legitimizes your homestead. By sharing your story on your website, social media, and newsletter, you will be able to get to know your potential customers, and they will start to like and trust you. 

Want to learn more?

Now that you know that you need a website, the next thing you should do is to learn what pages you need to make your website successful. Click here to watch the Essential Pages For A Successful Homestead Website webinar.