So you kinda have an idea for a business, but everyone tells you that you have to have a website.
But holy poop! It’s hard. You don’t have time. Other stuff always gets in the way.
Right?
Well, let’s just be very honest: at the heart of all of that procrastinating lies fear. So let’s address some of the most common.
The site won’t be perfect, or even good enough:
Y’all already know that I’m a big fan of the “Start before you’re ready” adage. No, it probably won’t be “perfect”, right out of the gate.
But something is always better than nothing.
If you are starting to talk about your business to other people, and starting to assess whether there are clients, customers, or a market out there for you, the first thing others will ask you is “do you have a website?”
So you have to at least have something to show people.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. Really. Just get it started and know that you can always go back. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve changed my website around (I also enjoy it), because what I wrote 9 months ago no longer aligns with what I want to say.
And that’s okay – you can always, always, change it later. (One caveat: frequent changes are easier – and cheaper – if you own your website, which I highly recommend. See below for my other recommendations.)
You don’t have the technology skills:
You don’t have to. You can build a simple, easy website on Wix or using Weebly on WordPress – both of them are super simple to use. And, they even have stock templates for you to use, with built-in photos. Super easy.
You can set up a website with just three boxes on your website – the hook (what people are coming to see you for – what do you actually provide), the contact form or other call to action form (sign up for your newsletter, call you, buy now, etc.), and an about box (a beautiful picture of you is very helpful here if you are selling any type of services.)
Of course, websites get much more complex than that, but think simple just to get started.
It takes too much time:
Schedule in time to make it happen, just like you would for anything else.
Take a few hours on the weekend to sit down and go through the message exercise below and then start playing around with whichever website builder you’ve chosen.
Yes, it will take a few hours, but a simple website can be built in half a day, especially if you’re using a template.
Too expensive:
A domain name will run you about $12 per year, hosting another maybe $50 or 60. If you don’t have that money to invest in yourself or your new business, then you probably aren’t going to be able to make a good run at the business. (Sorry, some hard truths here.)
I use Bluehost for hosting and have been pretty happy with them (no, they didn’t pay me to say this.) Right now they’re running a deal for hosting for $3 a month.
And, if you want to know more details, I’m running the Divi theme from Elegant Themes on a WordPress site, and love what it can do.
Having said all that, my favorite easy and simple solution is running a Weebly site on Bluehost.
You don’t have a crafted message (aka you don’t know what to say):
Take some time so sit down and write down answers to these questions: I help others by ____. Or, my/our mission is ______.
Just craft a couple of sentences around how you help people, really focusing in on the “WIIFM” (what’s in it for me) aspect – what will people be wanting to walk away with from interacting with your business? What problem are you trying to solve for them?
That’s it. That’s your message.
And if you’re struggling with this, I created an eight week, in person workshop for women who want to start a small business and have all of the pieces lined up. We’re going to build your website together (yes, really), as well as set up an email newsletter template, learn all the secrets of SEO, social media, and how to vision your way to success. In person, in Atlanta, with lots of amazing experts, starting February 12th.
Build your confidence. Release your fears. Create your dream business.
Early bird pricing is only $99 per week. Be one of the first five to sign up and receive an extra session with me where we craft your unique message. ($105 value!)
