Introduction: Why Build a Website?
A website is your digital storefront, portfolio, or personal brand hub. Whether you're a small business owner, freelancer, or hobbyist, a website helps you reach a global audience, showcase your work, and build credibility.
Why You Need a Website:
- Visibility: Stand out in a crowded digital world.
- Credibility: A professional site builds trust with your audience.
- Control: Own your content, unlike social media platforms.
Ready to learn more? Explore our SEO audit guide to boost your site's visibility or check out AWE Academy's website building course for hands-on training.
Research Insights on Website Benefits
The table on this page presents a comprehensive analysis of 15 key research findings that underscore the critical role of a website in modern business success. Compiled from reputable sources such as BusinessDasher, Seattle New Media, and Broadly, these insights reveal how websites drive growth, credibility, and customer engagement. For instance, 81% of shoppers research online before purchasing, highlighting the need for a strong digital presence to attract pre-qualified customers. Additionally, small businesses with websites grow twice as fast, emphasizing the competitive edge a well-designed site provides.
The data, spanning from 2020 to 2023, reflects evolving consumer behaviors, such as the $6.51 trillion in online retail sales projected for 2023 and the 27.6% growth in eCommerce during 2020, showcasing the economic potential of digital platforms.Each entry links a specific statistic—e.g., 75% of users judging credibility by design or 64% researching companies before job applications—to tangible business benefits like enhanced trust, increased sales, and improved recruitment.
Sources like Growth Partners Australia and HubSpot add depth, covering engagement boosts and global market access. This table serves as a data-driven foundation, empowering businesses to leverage websites for visibility, loyalty, and profitability. Updated as of July 13, 2025, it equips you with evidence to justify investment in a professional online presence, aligning with current trends and consumer expectations.
| Research | Benefit to Business | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 81% of shoppers research online before purchasing. | Increases credibility and attracts pre-qualified customers. | BusinessDasher |
| Online retail sales to reach $6.51 trillion by 2023, with 22.3% of total retail sales. | Expands revenue opportunities through eCommerce. | Seattle New Media |
| Small businesses with websites grow 2X faster. | Accelerates business growth and market competitiveness. | BusinessDasher |
| 73% of small businesses had a website in 2022 (up from 55% in 2017). | Improves market presence and aligns with industry trends. | BusinessDasher |
| Customers visiting 'About Us' page spend 22.5% more. | Boosts engagement and sales through personalized content. | BusinessDasher |
| 200% higher customer engagement with a functional website. | Enhances customer interaction and loyalty. | Growth Partners Australia |
| 88% of consumers research product information before purchase. | Builds trust and influences buying decisions. | LYFE Marketing |
| 75% of users judge credibility based on website design. | Strengthens brand perception and professionalism. | SeeResponse |
| 64% of people research a company online before applying for a job. | Attracts potential employees and improves recruitment. | Beyond Your Brand |
| Ecommerce sales projected to hit $5.4 trillion in 2022. | Enables 24/7 sales and global market access. | HubSpot |
| 85% of American adults own a smartphone, driving $360B in mobile purchases in 2021. | Reaches mobile customers and boosts sales. | Broadly |
| 63% of consumers prefer brands with a purpose. | Builds customer trust and brand loyalty. | BusinessDasher |
| 70-80% of buyers visit a company website during research. | Provides a platform to showcase credibility and offerings. | PixoLabo |
| 27.6% growth in online searching and eCommerce sales in 2020. | Capitalizes on growing digital consumer trends. | MorningScore |
| Nearly two-thirds of consumers trust businesses with websites more. | Enhances reputation and customer confidence. | Broadly |