Before You Order a New Website, or Revamp Your Existing One – READ THIS!
If you’ve tried building a website lately, whether on your own or with an agency partner, you know just how easy it is to create a mediocre website… and how difficult it is to create a beautiful, fully responsive, one-of-a-kind website that does everything you need while attracting a steady stream of customers.
Unless you’re in the marketing industry or already refurbishing an existing website, the decision to have a website designed and developed for your small business is likely a recent one. If that’s the case, you’ve got a lot of work ahead of you.
But here’s the cold hard truth: Your website is your online home. Your app is what people will use daily. Your marketing brings leads to you like moths to a flame. However, you can’t succeed by relying on cookie-cutter templates and basic ideas that everyone else is using. What you need is a fresh, unique approach that helps you stand out from the crowd.
It’s Hard, But It Doesn’t Have to Be
Creating a standout website isn’t easy, especially if you’ve already got a full schedule. Even harder, when the success of your business is riding on you (and maybe a tiny team, or none at all). But why put yourself through all of that when you can work with an experienced partner who not only knows how to craft a beautiful website but also knows how to make it irresistible to customers?
After all, a great online business needs only one thing to succeed: traffic that turns into customers. Yes, you’ll need many other ingredients, but without customers, your business will sink like the Titanic.
Imagine Your #1 Salesperson: Your Website
Think about your website as your number one sales person, working tirelessly 24/7/365 to answer every sales question, manage transactions, process payments, and capture critical lead generation data. Your website should be working to convert visitors into customers, and if it’s not, then it’s simply not doing its job.
Your website must be a powerhouse that drives revenue growth by creating an immersive online experience for your users while building brand credibility. It’s not just about looking pretty—it’s about functionality that drives real business results.
You Don’t Need to Break the Bank
Consulting hours and the professional help needed to build your digital presence can be expensive. The good news? With a little bit of research, creativity, and time management, small business owners can control many aspects of their online presence. Even for the less technically inclined, or those with limited time, careful planning is crucial, especially when it comes to your website.
Many people hope their website will magically generate their brand message—but it doesn’t work that way. Your website is the centerpiece of your digital marketing strategy. It’s where all your hard work, passion, and energy come together to present your business to the world in a way that resonates with your target audience.
Planning Your Website: A Crucial Element of Your Digital Brand
Your website is the pillar of your brand, accessible to anyone, anywhere, from any device. It should embody everything you want your customers to know about your business, products, and services, while being easy to navigate and providing immediate access to the information they need.
But what exactly does that look like in action?
The Home Page – Your First Impression
The Home Page is the first thing visitors see when they land on your site. This page needs to make a strong, immediate impression with information that gets straight to the point. Common elements of a home page may include:
- Call to Action: A direct prompt for your visitors to take the next step.
- Recent News/Blog Articles: Engage visitors with fresh content.
- Upcoming Events: Whether you’re hosting webinars, workshops, or other events, make sure they’re easy to find.
- Photo Gallery: Showcase your products, services, and culture.
- Featured Partners/Clients: Let your customers know who you’ve worked with.
The About Us Page – Your Story
The About Us page is your opportunity to tell the world who you are, what you stand for, and why your business matters. This page typically includes:
- Your mission, vision, and values.
- Profiles of key team members, founders, or board members.
- The story behind your business and why it exists.
Including your PAIA/Constitution can also be a valuable touch, especially for those looking to better understand your business’s operations.
The Donation Page (For Non-Profits)
If you’re running a charity or non-profit organization, your Donation Page is critical. This page should make it easy for visitors to donate—whether through an online payment portal or a simple donation form. Other useful additions might include:
- Needs Lists: Show potential donors how they can help beyond financial donations.
News/Blog Page – Keep Your Audience Informed
A dynamic blog page is essential for keeping your audience updated on the latest events, news, and initiatives. Common blog categories for non-profits, for example, may include:
- Fundraising Events: Share updates about upcoming events and how to get involved.
- Sponsor Thanks Features: Acknowledge the people and organizations helping you succeed.
- Beneficiary Stories: Share the impact your work is having on real people.
Not only does an active blog increase your credibility, but it also improves your search engine rankings, helping you attract more visitors.
The Contact Us Page – Make It Easy to Connect
This page should offer all the essential information your visitors need to get in touch, such as:
- Physical addresses with maps.
- Contact information for key staff or departments.
- Social media links and a contact form for quick inquiries.
Your Website Is Your Digital Business Card
Your website is more than just a tool—it’s your 24/7 brand ambassador, ready to promote your business, build trust, and convert leads into customers. When designed thoughtfully, it can do much more than display information—it becomes a key driver of revenue, engagement, and growth.
Take the Leap
Don’t settle for just any website. If you’re serious about your business’s success, you need a website that not only looks great but also works tirelessly to convert visitors into loyal customers. With the right planning and the right partner, your website can become the backbone of your digital marketing strategy and the key to your online success.
Ready to build a website that delivers? Let’s talk about how we can help make your online presence unforgettable.