So you have decided that you want a website for your business. You know you need a website and that it is supposed to help you improve your business but you don’t really know that much about the Internet, or websites, or even marketing. You are terrified because you also think it is going to cost you a ton of money to get a website before it starts making money for your business.
Well, the first step is to determine how much website you need or can afford. If you are just starting out or you have a limited marketing budget, or maybe you are just not sure how much a website can do for your business, let’s consider how you might start with a basic website and build it up as your business grows. I recommend a progressive marketing strategy for those with a limited budget to start with a website that will grow with your business.
There are different types of websites with different price points and different functionality. While most business owners think that a good website has to be expensive, there are economical options. Ultimately, the goal is to help your business get found by potential customers. The type of website you have is not as important as how your site is optimized to get ‘found’ by search engines or how well the ‘content’ entices a potential customer to learn more about your business and become a customer. You can learn more about this with my free e-book, How websites WORK! for your Business here.
A static website is the least expensive and does not offer any interactive functions. It can be a simple website with just one page that offers basic information about your business but does not include the ability to interact with your company through the website or contain links to additional information.
A Basic Website, or brochure website is more like an online brochure. It may have a few more pages and will include a bit more detail about your business as well as your product or services. Basic websites usually contain a home page, an about page, a page that describes your products or services in a bit more detail, and a contact page that provides your address, phone #, maybe a map to your location, and a contact form that allows the user to send you an email.
An Advanced website can be interactive and provide a lot more function. It can include several pages, links, images, video, the ability to make online purchases and much more.
Again, the type of website you have is not as important as the marketing efforts behind it. Your investment should be more about getting new customers than it is about having the fanciest website. What good is it to have a Mercedes if there is no gas in the tank? The most expensive, interactive and flashy website is pretty worthless without the meat and potatoes (SEO, Search Engine Optimization) that will provide a return on your investment.
What is your website doing for you? Let me know in the comments below.