Small Business Owner, But Hesitant or Confused About a Website?
John Ohman • July 26, 2020
It's Not Your Fault!
No, it's NOT your fault! You're probably really good at what your business does - but the whole idea of business websites is a different kind of animal. It's technical, complex and confusing. And there's no shortage of "opinions" on the subject. Things like:
- You don't really need a website- they're expensive, and you accomplish the same thing with free social media accounts.
- Small business websites are just online "brochures", and with a little effort, you can use DIY website builders for free or low cost.
- Getting a "real" website is too expensive and I don't really need it.
So, here's the truth:
- Can you run a successful, local small business with just free social media accounts and not a website? Yes, you can. But if you want to sell products or services online, you most likely need a website. If you want to be viewed as a "real business", you should probably have a website (even a simple "one pager").
- It seems like there are SO MANY website designers/developers out there with conflicting "stories", can't I just avoid their hype and just use one of those DIY website builders? Unfortunately, the answer here is "It depends". Start with your comfort level with computers and technology. If you're pretty competent with desktop software, you can likely complete a website on one of the many DIY platforms like Wix, Weebly, Jimdo, Squarespace, Shopify, GoDaddy, or Google Sites. There are some subtle differences between these offerings and we're happy to help you decide, if that's the path you want to take.
- What if I want to sell products/services online from my website? This is the point at which it becomes a little more complex. Do you also sell from a physical location? Do you have an existing Point-of-Sale (POS) system? If so, is it necessary that your online sales integrates with your bricks & mortar establishment? Your best bet here is to find a competent technology consultant to help you navigate through your options.
- Finally, if you want your website to be truly interactive with its visitors, you probably need a web designer/developer to help. The possibilities here are endless, but it's really a situation of "you don't know what you don't know" Here are a few examples of what's possible:
- Allow visitors to book appointments online that automatically notify you and sync to your online calendar.
- Present special offers to website visitors who:
- are visiting your website for the "first time", or are a "repeat visitor"
- are accessing your website from a location within a given "geographic radius",
- need special info regarding your response to the COVID-19 pandemic,
- should receive a "special promotion" that runs for a defined period of time each year,
- visit your website during holidays or special events,
- visit you website during your "off hours" when you are closed,
- etc, etc, etc.
- Provide visitors the capability of submitting forms that request estimates, bids, or other actions on your part.
If you want some straight-talk, objective guidance on creating or updating a small business website (or other technology-based solution), just reach out to us. No obligation. No pressure.
We want you to be successful.
