If you are operating a business but don’t have a website, you need to consider creating one.
Why should you create a business website?
Fact is you really cannot afford not to have a website. Having a website is where you will generate clients throughout the different aspects of the customer acquisition cycle, just like when a prospective client:
- Carries out a broad internet search for the various businesses that can help with their problem solving and then discovers you
- They want to find out more information about a specific company to see if they should inquire for further information
- Retrieves your contact details so they can reach out to you through phone or email
Much like interior styling services for a store, the many situations that you can benefit from having an aesthetic and easy to explore website up and running are endless. Truth is you, yourself have most likely done an internet search looking for different information or businesses. The days where you can rely on looking for a business in the yellow pages are long gone. There are still old school methods that can be used to an extent but having a business website is complementary to the other methods of bringing in new customers.
Building a website might sound complicated, but it isn’t as hard as many think. You can use a website builder to create your site, such as Weebly, Wix or Sqaurespace. These platforms will allow your business website to be organised and running within hours. If you have money to spend and plenty of other work to focus on, you can hire someone to build the website. Many competitive companies can create a website for you.
If you want to save money as hiring a website builder can be expensive, you can always build one yourself. Here are the steps that will help you to get started on your way to creating a great website.
- Get a domain name
- Get yourself a business email address
- Choose a website builder or create your own
- Choose the website template design you want
Populate the business website with your information
Your first business website doesn’t need to be complicated. You can approach the situation in a complicated way or keep it simple with the right plan and the right tools. A website doesn’t need to be time consuming nor expensive. Once you know what you need to do and the tools you need to use, building your business website can be more straightforward than you think with a decent drop and drag website builder. Your website should reflect your theme or services; for example, a coastal home interiors company should have a beach theme on their website.
Start with a clear navigation
You need to organise the pages into categories and use the basic terms on the menu. Your visitors don’t want to take guesses as to where they need to go. They don’t want to be analysing what you mean.
Make sure to use conversational English
People don’t want to be reading your text that sounds like they are reading a term paper. Write and copy as if you are speaking directly to people. Ensure you use the second person like “we” and “you”. Using a friendly tone is better than corporate speech. Don’t use industry jargon that some people may have trouble understanding.
Apply SEO
The best websites are a waste if people cannot find them. If Google is ranking your website high via the use of your optimisation, you will get immediate exposure to those searching for your services and products. SEO, or search engine optimisation, that is executed correctly gives you a significant return on your investments.