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In today’s digital and technologically forward world, having a website for your Business seems a no-brainer, right? However, this is where you need to pay attention. If you are a small business, you don’t necessarily need an eCommerce software. However, this situation changes drastically when we talk about VARs in the B2B eCommerce market.

As per stats, 65% of B2B businesses conducted their business transactions online in 2022.

Stats also indicate that online sales on B2B eCommerce sites, log-in portals, and marketplaces increased to 17.8% to $1.63 trillion in 2021. Hence, there is an added advantage to taking B2B eCommerce business online for VARs.

Today, we will look at what are the advantages of having websites for VARs and what they miss if they don’t have a B2B eCommerce platform.

Can You Run a Successful Business Without a Website?

Some businesses do not require a website and can thrive without having eCommerce software. But in an era where even small and local businesses have a website, operating without one has its disadvantages.

Not All Businesses Need a Website

To understand this better, take the example of local businesses. Entrepreneurs running small businesses like grocery shops, hardware supplies, etc., don’t require a dedicated website for their business.

These businesses have local clientele that will come to them with/without using a website. However, if you are not a local business and want to reach a larger client base, not having a website is ignoring a valuable resource.

It Takes Time

You can grow without a website, but the process will be a lot slower. For growth, you will have to use different sales and Marketing channels which are often time-consuming.

Some good options are online marketplaces, collaborations, and networking with other partners. All these methods are rather exhaustive and can take a long time to get good results.

What Do VAR Businesses Miss Without a Website?

Losing Potential Customers

Without a website, a B2B eCommerce VAR business risks losing these prospects to competitors with an online presence. A website serves as a virtual storefront, providing crucial information about products, services, and expertise, enabling potential customers to evaluate offerings conveniently.

Low Searchability

Search engine rankings play a vital role in attracting organic traffic and visibility. Without a website, it becomes challenging for a B2B eCommerce VAR business to rank high on search engine results. As a result, the business misses out on potential leads and limits its exposure to a broader customer base.

Low Chance of Creating Brand Awareness

A website serves as a 24-hour showroom for a B2B eCommerce VAR company, allowing it to demonstrate its brand identity, values, and competence.

Without this platform, the company’s opportunities to raise brand recognition, effectively express its unique selling propositions, and differentiate itself from competitors are limited. A website can be used to engage new customers, create trust, and foster long-term partnerships.

Attracting New Customers

A B2B eCommerce VAR business with a website can use digital marketing methods to attract a larger audience.

The company may promote its strengths, highlight unique offers, and emphasize its competitive advantages through focused online advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and content marketing.

Without a website, these digital marketing opportunities remain untapped, limiting the potential to attract new customers.

What are the Advantages of Having a Website for Your VAR Business?

Expanding Client Reach

A website acts as a powerful tool for expanding your client reach and attracting a larger audience.

• Accessible 24/7: A website, unlike a physical business with limited hours of operation, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means that potential customers can visit your website at their leisure, examine your items or services, and make purchases.
• Improved Searchability: A well-optimized website improves your online presence and attracts organic visitors from search engines. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) further improves the chances of ranking higher in search results through keywords and content marketing.
• Targeted Marketing: A website provides a platform for targeted marketing efforts. Through techniques like content marketing, social media integration, and email marketing, you can tailor your messaging and promotions to specific customer segments. A personalized approach in different marketing channels helps attract the right audience and increases the likelihood of conversion.

Revenue Growth

Having a website can significantly contribute to revenue growth by expanding your customer base and facilitating seamless transactions.

• Online Sales Channel: A website is a dedicated online sales channel that allows people to browse and buy products or services directly from your company. Deliver a convenient and safe online purchasing experience to attract more customers and establish extra revenue streams.
• Easier Customer Engagement: With a website, you can engage with customers more efficiently. You can provide timely assistance, address concerns, and build customer trust through features like live chat, contact forms, and feedback mechanisms. Strong customer engagement leads to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals, further fueling revenue growth.
• Diversification of Revenue Streams: By leveraging your website, you can explore additional revenue streams such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or selling digital products. These diversification efforts can boost your overall revenue and mitigate risks associated with relying solely on a single channel.

Enhanced Brand Awareness

A website plays a vital role in establishing and enhancing brand awareness, especially for small businesses.

• Brand Identity and Storytelling: Your website serves as a digital representation of your brand. Through visually appealing design, compelling content, and consistent branding elements, you can convey your brand’s identity, values, and unique selling propositions.
• Content Marketing and Thought Leadership: By creating valuable and informative content on your website, such as blog posts, articles, or guides, you can position yourself as an industry expert and thought leader. When customers perceive you as a reliable source of information, they are more likely to choose your products or services over competitors.
• Social Proof and Testimonials: A website provides a platform to showcase customer testimonials, reviews, and case studies. These testimonials contribute to building a strong online reputation and expanding your brand’s reach.

Closing Thoughts

While reaching a broad audience without a website is theoretically conceivable, the advantages of having one are apparent.

A B2B eCommerce platform is a valuable asset for client reach, driving revenue growth and increasing brand awareness for small businesses.

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