So you’ve decided to turn your hobby into a business, but you’re not sure if the expense and effort of a website is worth your effort.
You’ve got a Facebook page, you’ve set up an Etsy store that’s enough to get your business out there and exploding – right? Sure that’s a great start but what if you’ve violated one of Facebook’s many terms and they shut down your page. What if your store gets reported to Etsy and your store gets closed down with no notice. These may be the worst-case scenario and they may not happen but the unfortunate truth is I’ve seen it. Successful stores who no longer have access to their inventory and customer list. Facebook pages with massive followings and no way to get in touch with their fans.
The reality is that while you are marketing your business on someone else’s website they own your business. You have no control over the amount your fans see and without spending a fortune on advertising you may not reach your audience.
A website is an essential investment in your business, your future and you! Still not convinced? Check out these 5 great reasons why you need a website!
1. Your customers can’t find you.
Did you know that there are 11.944 billion Google searches made every month? Yes, your Facebook page may get listed but it’s not likely unless your customers search for your business name. Meanwhile, your competitors are targeting local areas, keywords and attracting new customers. In some cases, your competitors will also target their website to your business name to misguide your customers.
2. Your clients are looking for you!
Do you have an opinion? A product to sell? A service that you offer? You need a website. Your website is the first impression of you and your business. Without restriction, you can market your products and services and attract a whole new following to your brand. By using your own website you can target a local or global audience. You decide. There are 2.4 billion people using the internet each day that are potential customers and fans.
3. You are ready to take your business to the next level.
You’re kicking butt and reaching major goals but your business lacks professionalism. A website can turn your business from she’s doing great so she’s made it. By making the investment in yourself and your business you are showing the world that you mean business. You are showing that you’re serious and ready to take your business from hobby to career.
4. You’re using a Hotmail email address.
This goes hand in hand with number 3 and is one of my pet peeves… please, please if you own a domain name – use it! With any hosting package, you can set up custom email addresses using your domain name. If your email is anything like [email protected] you’re making it difficult for your customers. If they can’t remember your contact details how can they buy from you? Make it simple. Hosting doesn’t need to cost a fortune and within 10 minutes you can be using your own domain name. [email protected] is a lot easier to remember.
5. You need more time.
If you’re anything like me you already get a lot of emails every day. Do you really want to be answering the same questions over and over? Your website is your automated secretary. It can answer all your frequently asked questions, show your products, act as a resume and be referring new work 24/7. With one update you can let all your customers know about your latest special or your new working hours. This cuts down on so much administration and saves you money.
A website doesn’t need to be a lot of work to maintain or cost an arm and a leg. But I can promise you taking the time and money to set up your website professionally will set up your business for the long run.
Is this you? Are you ready to take your business online but you’re not sure where to start? Take advantage of our no-obligation coffee dates to get all your questions answered.
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