The Mono Team  |  20/11/2017

SMB websites can't be replaced by earned & paid media - Here's why

Last year a survey from Capital One found that 61% of SMBs were utilizing social media for their business while only 56% had a company website.

Furthermore, the survey found that while 32% of SMBs believed increasing advertising and marketing efforts would best improve business, only 14% thought the same about creating a website. This indicates a prevalent misconception among SMBs about the role and impact of a website in today's digital landscape.

Some SMBs might view their social media pages as sufficient substitutes for a company website. They rely on earned media such as social mentions, shares, and reviews, along with paid media like online ads, to maintain an online presence. However, this approach fails to recognize the unique value proposition that a website offers.

Consumer behavior underscores the importance of having a dedicated website. While social media platforms are essential for engagement and outreach, they lack the depth and control that a website provides. Consumers often use search engines to find information about products or services, and having a website significantly increases visibility and credibility. A well-designed website serves as a central hub where potential customers can learn about a business, its offerings, and its unique selling points.

 

The demand for custom client websites

For digital service providers targeting SMBs, the case for selling websites remains strong.

Despite the many DIY website builder platforms, there is still a demand for customized, professionally designed websites.

A big selling point for SMBs is letting the professionals deal with things like hosting, domains and security. It can be overwhelming for small businesses to work out how to set these things up themselves. It's much nicer to simply pay for a website package from a company and let them do it.

However many small business owners also want some influence and control over their website. That's why the platform that digital resellers use to build the website on greatly matters. 

White label CMS (Content Management System) platforms and private label website builders offer convenience and flexibility for both service providers and SMBs. These solutions allow service providers to offer branded websites to their clients without the need to develop proprietary technology from scratch. By leveraging white label solutions, service providers can focus on delivering value-added services such as SEO optimization, content creation, and ongoing maintenance.

A good white label website platform also makes it easy for the end user to log in and edit things on their own.

While some SMBs may be deterred by the perceived cost of building and maintaining a website, service providers can emphasize the long-term benefits and return on investment. A professionally designed website can attract new customers, improve brand perception, and streamline operations. 

 

Final thoughts

In conclusion, while SMBs may underestimate the importance of a website in today's digital economy, digital service providers still have a compelling case for selling websites. By emphasizing the unique value proposition of a professionally designed website and leveraging white label solutions, service providers can help SMBs establish a strong online presence and drive business growth.

 

About Mono Solutions

Mono empowers digital agencies, telcos, Software as a Service, Website as a Service, and other resellers with an all-in-one website building solution and multi-site management tool that can simplify and optimize the process of selling, building, and managing client websites. Operating exclusively B2B2B allows Mono to focus on the unique challenges and opportunities of digital resellers, our partners. We are not just a vendor. We are your business partner. Try our white label website platform today