Why Indian Businesses Needed a Website in 2019 – A Turning Point in Digital India
Do you remember how the Indian business world felt in 2019?
The Digital India movement was in full swing. Smartphones were everywhere. Jio had made mobile internet affordable even in the remotest corners. Customers had gone digital—and if your business didn’t have a website by then, you were already behind.
Whether you ran a salon, a factory, or a coaching centre, your customers were Googling you. If they didn’t find a professional website, they likely moved on.
Having a business without a website in 2019 was like opening a store with no nameplate, no location, and no trust.
Let’s take a closer look at why 2019 was a digital turning point—and why that moment still matters today.
India in 2019: The Digital Landscape at a Glance
| Metric | Value (2019) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total Internet Users in India | 560+ million | TRAI Report |
| Smartphone Users | 450+ million | Statista |
| Mobile Data Cost (per GB) | ₹18.5 (world’s lowest) | Cable UK |
| UPI Transactions | ₹1.52 lakh crore/month | NPCI |
| MSMEs with websites | Less than 32% | KPMG India |
| Google Mobile-First Indexing | Enabled for all sites | Google Blog |
India was online. Customers were online. The only question was—was your business online too?
1. Search Behavior Shifted: Google Became the First Impression
In 2019, customers no longer asked friends for recommendations—they searched. From local clothing stores to B2B machinery providers, Google was the first step.
If your business didn’t show up online, it didn’t exist for this new-age consumer.
A professional website was your handshake, brochure, and trust signal—all rolled into one.
2. Mobile Usage Took Over
With over 85% of India’s web traffic coming from smartphones, having a mobile-friendly website was essential. Businesses without a responsive site were instantly ignored or dropped by users.
Google also started ranking mobile-friendly websites higher by default, thanks to mobile-first indexing.
If your website didn’t look great on a smartphone in 2019, you were already losing business.
3. Indian MSMEs Began Their Digital Journey
Government support, rising competition, and growing awareness pushed MSMEs to go digital in 2019.
Manufacturers, distributors, and service providers began adopting websites to:
- Showcase products/services
- Build trust with clients
- Expand reach beyond their city or state
The businesses that moved early—especially in B2B, healthcare, education, and FMCG—saw long-term gains.
4. Digital Payments & Online Orders Changed Expectations
Thanks to UPI and mobile wallets, India was embracing online transactions. Consumers were more willing to make purchases or submit inquiries digitally.
Websites became a platform to:
- Display catalogs
- Accept inquiries
- Provide information 24/7
This shift especially benefited businesses selling products, event services, health consultations, and home services.
5. Social Media Was Growing, But Not Enough
Facebook and Instagram helped brands build awareness—but they didn’t replace the need for a website.
- Social media doesn’t rank on Google.
- You don’t fully control your content or audience.
- There’s no structured lead capture, SEO, or deep content.
Smart businesses used social media to drive traffic to their websites—where conversions actually happened.
6. Customers Wanted Real-Time Communication
People in 2019 expected:
- Chat buttons
- Contact forms
- WhatsApp integration
- Easy ways to book or connect
Even small websites could integrate tools like live chat or CRM forms to make customer engagement faster and smarter.
A website was no longer just digital presence—it was your virtual office.
7. Blogging, SEO & Content Became Strategic
Content became a powerful tool for businesses looking to attract organic traffic.
Popular blog strategies in 2019 included:
- Explainer blogs (e.g., “How to choose the right CCTV camera”)
- Location-based service pages (e.g., “Pest Control Services in Jaipur”)
- FAQs to answer common client queries
This helped websites rank on Google and build long-term SEO authority.
Final Thoughts: 2019 Was the Wake-Up Call
The businesses that built their websites in 2019 set the foundation for long-term success. They adapted early, connected better with customers, and made their digital presence count.
If you didn’t start in 2019, that’s okay. The best time to go online is now.
Your customers are still searching. Let them find you—with the right website.
Need help building your online presence?
We at LiveAnApp Solutions specialize in building fast, beautiful, and mobile-first websites that grow your business.
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