Chijioke ran a busy auto repair shop in Lagos. His customers loved his work, and referrals kept him afloat. But he noticed something strange—new customers rarely came in unless someone recommended them. Meanwhile, his younger cousin, Tolu, who sold car accessories, was getting orders from people all over Nigeria, even from states he had never been to.
What was Tolu doing differently?
The answer was simple: Tolu had a website.
In today’s digital world, running a business without an online presence is like having a beautiful shop in the middle of a desert—nobody knows it exists. The internet has changed how people discover and interact with businesses, and those that fail to adapt risk being left behind.
The Digital Economy Is Booming—Don’t Be Left Out
Did you know that 55% of consumers check online reviews before engaging with a business? That means before potential customers visit your shop, restaurant, or office, they search for you online. But what if they don’t find anything? They move on to your competitor.
Global e-commerce sales hit $6.151 trillion in 2023 and are projected to reach $7.391 trillion by 2025. But it’s not just online stores that benefit—every type of business needs an online presence, from schools and law firms to barbershops and auto repair services.
Every Business Needs an Online Presence—Not Just E-Commerce
Many Nigerian business owners believe websites are only for online stores. That’s a costly mistake. Even parents now search online for schools before enrolling their children.
Take Mrs. Adebayo, for example. She needed a new school for her daughter in Abuja. Instead of driving around town, she simply Googled: “Best primary schools in Abuja with good reviews.” The schools with websites, testimonials, and a Google Business profile caught her attention immediately. The ones without? She never even considered them.
The same applies to:
- Restaurants – Customers check menus, reviews, and locations online.
- Salons & Clinics – People search for pricing, availability, and testimonials.
- Auto Repair Shops – Car owners look for trusted mechanics near them.
- Fashion Designers & Tailors – Clients want to see portfolios before placing an order.
If your business isn’t online, customers will assume you’re not credible—or that your business doesn’t exist.
Eye-Opening Statistics That Prove You Need a Website
Here’s why having an online presence is no longer optional:
- 74% of customers check at least two review sites before making a purchase decision.
- 53% of consumers specifically look for reviews with positive experiences before buying.
- The Middle East & Africa saw a 5.2% increase in online shoppers from 2022 to 2023—the highest growth rate globally.
- This number is expected to skyrocket in 2025, meaning even more consumers will rely on Google searches, online reviews, and websites to choose businesses.
What Happens When Your Business Lacks a Website?
Imagine two talented fashion designers in Lagos: Adanna and Bimpe.
• Adanna has a professional website with her portfolio, pricing, and contact details.
• Bimpe only has an Instagram page.
When someone searches “best fashion designers in Lagos”, guess whose business shows up on Google? Adanna’s.
While Bimpe might be just as skilled, her lack of a website means she’s invisible to potential customers who are actively searching for her services.
A Website is Your 24/7 Salesperson
A well-designed website doesn’t just sit there—it works for you, even while you sleep. With a website, you can:
✅ Appear on Google when customers search for your services.
✅ Showcase your products, services, and customer reviews.
✅ Allow customers to contact you or book appointments effortlessly.
✅ Build credibility and trust in your industry.
Don’t Let Your Business Get Left Behind!
If your business isn’t online, you’re losing customers to competitors who are. Whether you run a school, restaurant, laundry service, or repair shop, a professional website helps you attract and convert potential customers.
At Dleading Web Designs, we specialize in building SEO-optimized, high-converting websites that put your business in front of your ideal customers. Let’s help you grow online—contact us today!