8 Reasons Why You Need More Than Just A Website
You finally did it! You crafted the most perfect website ever! You diligently picked out the color-scheme, hired the best graphic designer you could find, spent hours crafting the language and voice on every page, and you launched your business.
That’s all you needed to do to be a powerful online presence…. Right?
Now, don’t get me wrong, a website is a powerful tool, but it is not the end all be all of your online presence. There is so much more to the puzzle. Your online presence is a culmination of your website, blog content, social media channels, email marketing, advertising, networking and more.
1) Your Virtual Business Address-
Think of your website as the home address of your business. If you don’t tell anyone you live there, no one will ever know how to make it to the soiree you are throwing. And you don’t want to be eating all the appetizers by yourself, do you?
You have to send out the invites if you want people to show up.
2) SEO-
There are millions, probably trillions, of websites out there, and your customers have got to find you some way. Simply having a website isn’t enough. You have to weed out the competition and stand out. The best way is through Search Engine Optimization.
One of my best friends told me an amazing joke a few years back…. “Where is the best place to hide a dead body?” “ On the second page of Google.”
Funny, but still true today.
Remember: Businesses who make the first page of Google get 60% more business than those on the second page.
Two small disclaimers are needed here.
- On average, most businesses can spend anywhere from $500/month to $10,000/month on SEO. You do not have to start at this level. Begin with what you can do with your time, knowledge and budget. Then, create content and be consistent. The search engines reward those dynamic sites.
- The future of SEO is in flux as AI is emerging. SEO may be completely removed from the conversation in a matter of months as AI takes over… more to come on that in a future post.
3) Business Directories-
Whether you advertise yourself on your local business directory online or choose to go with a Google Business Profile, you are more likely to get business traction than just relying on word of mouth alone. Get out there and let the internet know you are here!
4) Paid Advertising-
For your Sales Pipeline to work, it has to begin outside of your website. There has to be some initial engagement that entices new customers to seek out your website and want to work with you. Paid Advertising gets you in front of audiences who may never have come across your website on their own but are looking for exactly what you have to offer.
5) Social Media Engagement-
Your website and your social channels are meant to go hand in hand. They should be connected at the hip, not two separate entities. One of your first goals now that you have the perfect website is to integrate all your social media platforms. The content you share can generate new attention to your site, give consumers the chance to share your stuff, and indicate to search engines that your website is credible, relatable and worthy of being bumped up the rankings.
6) Content Marketing-
What you give out is just as important as what you get in. Think of blogs and content marketing like the free chocolates See’s Candies used to give out. (I can still feel the joy those free chocolates brought me now.) You want to create samplings, tasty tid-bits and bite-sized briefs that leave a warm feeling in the hearts of your consumers and keep them coming back for more. And when they are ready to purchase, you will be the first person on their mind.
- Speaking of, I’ll be right back. I need to Google if there is a See’s near me.
As a bonus, the more genuine and relatable the content, the better your search rankings will be.
7) Website Management-
Gone are the days of stale, stagnant, never-changing websites. Your website needs to be dynamic, innovative, interactive, and constantly updating. What may be perfect today, could be outdated tomorrow. Keep your head on a swivel for new updates and integrations you can incorporate into your website.
8) Human Connection-
Last, but certainly not least, YOU are the most important aspect of your business, not your branding guidelines, your amazing photos in your gallery or your testimonials. YOU!
Any way you can generate interaction between you and potential clients is a win. This can be email marketing, lead magnets, newsletter, social posts, or 1 on 1 calls. Your website should be a place where your customers not only find your products and purchase from you, but ultimately, enter into a long-term relationship with you where they keep coming back for more.
Feeling Overwhelmed and Out of Breath at the thought of all you have left to do?
We can help! Imagine all of these steps not only set up for you but automated and with continuous support at every turn.
