There is a good chance you have a website you love; it
generates leads, it makes you money, it shows up on search queries, it is
frequently maintained and you even receive compliments on its design and
functionality. If this is you; congratulations! You don’t need to read the rest
of this article; unless you…
Know someone who “believes”
they need a website?
I have lost count over the years as to how many prospective
clients contact me in panic mode saying “I need a website. How long will it
take?” My first response is always the same “Why do you feel you need to have a
website?” 6 out of 10 people will respond with “Because everyone says I need
one. They say I’m losing money if I don’t.” Okay, there may be some truth to what
“everyone” is saying; but I then ask “Do YOU want a website?” Usually,
the answer is “I don’t know.” or “Not really. What do you think?”
What do I think? I think following the crowd because they
said to, stinks. I think every person has the right to listen to, and act upon,
their own gut judgment whether it is to do, or not to do. To quote a good
friend of mine “No one should ever be “should” upon.”
I especially think that someone in this position; who is struggling
to “believe” they need a website can find their own resolution by simply
stating to themselves “I do NOT need a website.” Saying this a few times
allows the statement to clear the back-n-forth mind-chatter of “What do I do?
Should I? Should I not?” This will give the person the quite space they need to
separate their true feelings from outside influences.
If one does not clear the mind-clutter the result could lead
to procrastination in many areas of the business, one being marketing in
general. If all marketing efforts are halted by this elusive website decision,
then you guessed it the company will experience loss of visibility, momentum
(which circles around to time), and ultimately money.
Once they can hear their own thoughts, and gut-reactions
they will be able to answer the following questions honestly, for themselves:
- I know who my ideal client is, the emotional traits of their
struggles, and what they will experience after working with me. I share them
here: _________.
- The purpose of my website is to _____, and I will know it is
working when _______.
- When visitors arrive at my website they will take one of the
following actions: _______. (we’re aiming
for at least 3 different actions)
- I understand an un-maintained website can do more damage than not having one at all. I am _____% committed to the on-going success of the website. (we’re aiming for 95 to 100% here)
These are great starting questions to help evaluate if you
are ready for a website; now, later, or not at all. You will instinctively
know, by how you answer the questions (easily, struggled, didn't answer) what the
right choice is for you at this time.
I will state it. I truly believe that not every company
needs a website. A website is only a fraction of the overall marketing strategy
a business owner needs to consider.
I have declined clients who asked me to build them a website;
when they didn’t need it or were not ready. Either way, I could not consciously
invoice them for something that in the long run would just sit there doing
nothing to help grow their business. Some clients went and had someone else
built a website for them, others looked at me oddly, thanked me for my honesty,
and we focused on alternative approaches.
A business owner can have an online presence without the cost of
creating and maintaining a website. In the next article I will share
with you the: Top 4 Reasons Why You Don’t Need a Website.
Until then, happy marketing!
Chana Monahan
Greenhouse Graphics, llc. Where Ideas Grow
860-379-2974
Interesting article, Chana.
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