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What’s Costing Your Business More: Having No Website or Having a Bad One?

By Higher Information Group on January 28, 2025 | Marketing Solutions

In today's digital-first economy, many small business owners face a critical question: Is it better to have no website at all, or to maintain an outdated, poorly performing one? While having no website might seem like the more cost-effective option, the reality is more complex. Let's analyze the true costs of both scenarios to help you make an informed decision for your business.

The Hidden Costs of Having No Website

Lost Local Search Traffic

When potential customers search for local businesses in your industry, your competitors are showing up in Google search results—but you’re not. Studies show that 97% of consumers use online search to find local businesses, and 78% of local mobile searches result in offline purchases. Without a website, you’re losing these valuable opportunities to attract new customers.

Damaged Credibility

In an age where 75% of consumers judge a business’s credibility based on their website, having no online presence can be a major red flag. Potential customers might question whether your business is still operational or legitimate, leading them to choose more visible competitors.

Missed Opportunities for Customer Engagement

Without a website, you’re missing out on:

  • 24/7 visibility to potential customers
  • Ability to showcase products and services
  • Customer reviews and testimonials that build trust
  • Easy contact methods for inquiries
  • Opportunity to build authority with search engines

The Costs of a Bad Website

Poor First Impressions

A bad website can actually be worse than no website at all. Research shows that 94% of first impressions are design-related, and 75% of users judge a company’s credibility based on their website design. An outdated or poorly functioning website can actively drive customers away.

Lost Sales Due to Poor User Experience

A bad website costs you money through:

  • Slow loading times (40% of users abandon sites that take more than a few seconds to load)
  • Non-mobile-friendly design (70% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, although this can vary based on industry)
  • Difficult navigation
  • Outdated contact information
  • Broken links and features
  • Negative SEO Impact
Poorly designed websites often suffer from:
  • Low search engine rankings
  • High bounce rates/user frustration
  • Poor conversion rates

Making the Right Choice

The truth is, neither option is good for your business. Rather than choosing between two costly options, consider investing in a professional website that:

  • Reflects your brand’s quality and professionalism
  • Provides an excellent user experience
  • Generates leads and conversions
  • Is optimized for search engines
  • Integrates with your marketing efforts
  • Builds credibility with potential customers

Next Steps

Ready to stop losing money to a missing or underperforming website?

Our team of website superheroes has been helping clients build impactful websites for more than ten years. Our website designs are responsive and mobile-friendly, allowing you to maximize your online reach no matter what device your customers are using to find you. Whether you want to upgrade your current site with a compelling, custom-designed website or you’re just starting out and looking for a cost-effective yet professional online presence, Higher Information Group can help.

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