Are you one of those adorable people who believe that you don't need a website to run a business. And that pigs fly. And unicorns exist. And fairies grant wishes. And all you need is a Facebook and/or Instagram account to be successful? (As I'm sure Facebook and Instagram would want you to believe).
You might think I'm trying to pull the wool over your eyes about how great websites are because of what I do for a living - but, if you think about it, this actually makes me genuine: I went into web design because I B.E.L.I.E.V.E in the power of a website, baby! Not because it's a massive con.
If you don't have a website, you've obviously missed the entire point of one.
So I'm here to help you be the best business owner you can be and why you definitely need a website to make a success out of it ..
Reason 1. YOUR MAIN MARKETING PLATFORM
Did you know that your website is your main marketing platform?
It's YOUR piece of the internet. It's the place where you can showcase your entire business. It's how people can find you and how people buy from you.
Your website is your online shop window. It's your vibe, your voice, your content - all attracting your a target market. Use social media as free advertising and direct all posts back to your website so people have one point of reference.
Social media accounts appear to offer everything you need to build a business but if anything happens to your social media accounts you will loose EVERYTHING. All of your followers. All of your content. All of your business. Ouch. And they may come across as customisable but really it's just one template and you're indistinguishable from every other business on there.
Reason 2. YOUR PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
Did you know that having a website says a lot about you as a business owner?
A website tells people that you've invested a chunk of time and money into your business which means that you believe it will still be around in the next 12 months (unlike having a free Facebook or Instagram page that you can create in 10 mins and delete in one).
It also demonstrates that you know the basic requirements of how to run and market a business (because professional people with common sense have a website)
Reason 3. TIGHTEN UP YOUR QUALIFYING PROCESS
Did you know that you can put absolutely everything about your business on your website?
You can give potential clients all the info they need to know in one place and this helps people to make informed an decision about your business before they contact you. You can include things like:
Provide full details of your service and/or products
Tell them about the benefits of your service and/or products
Tell them how much it costs and how to buy from you
Showcase your portfolio and/or reviews
Answer the FAQs from your target market
Give them your backstory and why you were motivated to start your business
I answer all of their questions my potential clients needs to know (and more) so I know when I get a call or email, it's to hire me. And if someone is lazy enough to not visit your website and contact you with a question, you can redirect them back to your website, cutting out the time wasters. SCORE!
Reason 4. GROW YOUR MAILING LIST
Did you know you can grow your mailing list through your website?
The people on your mailing list are your warm audience and are more likely to buy from you in 30+ days. If they've bothered to visit your website and wanted something you're offering enough to give your their contact details, they are a hotter lead than someone who has 'Liked' your post and kept scrolling.
Offer Lead Magnets (such as a Discovery Call, subscriptions, blog, power hour, downloads, etc) to collect peoples details, so you can gain authentic new leads of people who will likely buy from you in the future.
The benefits of offering Lead Magnets and growing your mailing list through your website are:
it grows your business quicker, than just by selling your core service or product alone
start you earning extra money from your business
drives traffic to your website
REMINDER: your Followers on social media are not your mailing list
Reason 5. NURTURE YOUR WARM AUDIENCE
Did you know that you can send email marketing to the mailing list you grow through your website?
You can nurture your mailing list (warm audience) and keep them warm for your business by sending regular newsletters, helping them grow to love you. Let them know what's happening in your business and any future plans, offer VIP exclusive deals, share valuable advice, tips and experiences - but most of sell your services and/or products.
And remember it's OK if people 'unsubscribe' from your mailing list because they aren't your ideal client (the people who will buy from you - so no time wasters. yay!)
Reason 6. ATTRACT YOUR TARGET MARKET
Did you know that having a blog on your website attracts more clients?
When you write a blog answering the FAQs from your target market, like 'Why do I need a website for my business?', you are creating Awareness Content. This content is crucial content because it will help you:
Reach a wider audience i.e. help those people who have never heard of you to find you
Support your website SEO and get you found online
Demonstrate you're an expert and you know what you're talking about
AND you can repurpose the content within your blogs over social media
BOOM!
It's all about the wording you use - check out my 15 blog post template titles on How to Attract your Target Market
Reason 7. REFINE YOUR SALES FUNNELS
Did you know you can direct all of your wonderful social media marketing back to your website?
If you are selling a particular service, product or offer you can create a Landing Page that provides all the details the person needs and how to buy from you. Add a link to this Landing Page to the relevant post.
You can also offer multi levels of service via your website to create varying streams of income, such as one-off purchases, high ticket items, retainers or subscriptions and passive income ideas - all available and ready to buy there and then.
WHAT NOW?
If you like what you've just read, this is your personal invitation to join my newsletter mailing list for more tips and advice about web designs, brand design, marketing and my honest experience on what it's like to be a small business owner ..
BIG KISSES
Claire x