Dear Business Owner,

 Why are you ignoring your website?

 I get it. As business owners we are strapped for time, sometimes strapped for cash, energy strapped and content strapped. Nobody wants to sit in front of the computer for hours working on a website when we could be marketing, selling or creating. It’s just so much easier to post a picture on social media and call it done, isn’t it? But I feel like a website gives your client/customer a bigger picture of your business - a one-stop-shop, if you will.

 I think as business owners we undervalue the power of our websites. I know, I already hear you - but I get more views on Insta, Twitter or whatever other social media platform is out there. And I feel you, I do. But what were to happen if all the social media of the land were to implode and be no more? What then? Wouldn’t it be nice if there was still a place online that people could find you? Like a website, perhaps? 

 And wouldn’t it be nice if a potential client went to your website and was intrigued by what you do &  how you do it? Just the same way they are when they see your social media posts? And wouldn’t it be awesome if they could contact you with questions, see some images of your work? Just like they can on your social media posts?

 Ok, I’m going to cut out the silliness now. You see where I’m going with this. 

 I really think that as business owners, we need to change our way of thinking. We shouldn’t see our websites as big inconvenient,  pain in the rear, time sucks. We should see them as another tool in our arsenal. OUR arsenal. We don’t own these social media platforms. Seriously, what will you do if they all go boom? You own your website. And it’s honestly just a little bit of every social media platform rolled into one. What is not to like about that?

 So let’s tackle the excuses I hear:

 WEBSITES COST TOO MUCH, I DON’T HAVE THE MONEY FOR IT: Valid point. I hear you. But there are free sites out there. They may not be the best and may not be what you want right now, but honestly, something (well done) is better than nothing. An online presence is kinda important in this day and age. It’s ok to start free and then upgrade as you get a chance. It’s what I had to do and I don’t regret it.

 I DON’T HAVE TIME TO TAKE PICTURES: REALLY? I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that images aren’t necessary, they really are. If you can’t hire a photographer right now, here are some ideas for you - find a FB group that deals in trades. So you trade your service with a photographer who is just starting out or looking for practice. **Now, listen, I do not recommend finding photographers on Insta and FB and asking them to do free shoots for you. That’s a no-no. Go to a FB group where all parties involved are will to trade and or work for a discounted fee. I want to be very clear about that.** 

 Can’t find a FB group in your area? Cell phone pictures are not the devil - unless you take crappy cell phone pictures. You need to make sure your lighting is good and that your pictures are sharp with your focus on your subject. If you aren’t sure what to do, ask any nearby teenager. Or shoot me an e-mail. 

 I DON’T HAVE THE TIME TO BUILD A WEBSITE: Yes, you do. It’s all about priorities. You’ll want to give yourself some time. Don’t think you’ll do it overnight. I usually give myself a month each time I revamp my site. Most websites have builders/templates inside of them. So you’re able to drag and drop and quickly make a site. As you are building, keep your client in mind  it is easy for them to find the information they need with the minimum amount of clicks. Have a friend or two review it before it goes live.  

 I DON’T HAVE TIME TO MAINTAIN A WEBSITE: Yes you do. It’s all about priorities (I feel like I just said that). Set aside an hour a week to review your site. You can make any adjustments you need to then. And who knows, you may not need to change or add anything and you can just relax for an hour.
 
 I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M DOING: Yep. I didn't either. Still feel like that every time I build out a new site. The great thing is that with most of these sites, you don't need to know how to code. Again, it's drag and drop. You just have to drag and drop your way to something you like. It helps if you have some sort of idea of what you'd like the finished product to be but if you have no clue, go on other websites to have a look. It doesn't even need to be industry websites. I personally look at jewelry, shoe and fashion sites for inspiration.

 I'M SAVING UP FOR SOMEONE TO BUILD MY SITE FOR ME: This is great news! I applaud you and I hope you get there! But I have been hearing the same thing from someone I know for the last 5 years. I've even done the pictures for this site. 5 years, y'all. Please get it done.

 So now that I've told you my opinion, you may be wondering why I am even saying anything. I'm not a website designer & I don't know a stitch of code.

 I promise you, I only have good intentions. I want you to succeed. I want your business to be the best it can be. I want you to have all the tools you need to get to where you want to be. 

 Don't be scared. I'll check in with you next week with a few more tips.

 You've got this!

 Tonia