The first thing most people do when they get an idea for a business - is to build a website. They do it before they know their target audience, before they know what their website has to do for them -- but they are excited! And I get that -- I remember sitting down building my very first website for my BootyBarre studio back in 2016, I wasn't even SURE what I needed it for but I just dove in. 

Your website is your digital storefront, it's your 24/7 salesperson, it really is always open for potential clients to find you -- if you do it right ;) But how do you know your business needs one? Believe it or not - we actually don't feel that every business needs one right away -- but there are ways to tell. And I like to guide you (and save you money) to the best of my ability. So here's how to tell if your small business needs a website, and what questions to ask your future website builder so you don't get screwed!

One - are you focused on Building Relationships & can your website do that for you?

First things first, let's debunk the myth that you absolutely need a fancy website to generate leads. We have some clients who still use landing pages, and others that use an old school blog style website - and they both do WELL financially.  While a well-designed website can certainly enhance your online presence, the foundation of any successful business lies in relationship building. Relationship building should be your focus -- and this means both online and offline. If you're opening up an e-commerce store -- start shaking hands online, if you're opening up a Pilates studio -- start showing up to your local Chamber events, Wine Women Wellness events -- or whatever is going to get you in front of your IDEAL customer. Whether you're networking in person or engaging with potential customers on social media, cultivating authentic connections should always be a priority. Having a website can offer opportunities to build relationships too -- by blogging, and posting videos etc...and the truth is in the pudding. Some people feel like they KNOW Jillian Harris because of her blog -- though her blogs and Instagram account - she's giving you an opportunity to build a 'relationship with her'. 

What is The Purpose of Your Website & will it save you time = $$ ?

There comes a point in your business journey when having a website becomes absolutely necessary. Your business is growing, you have people asking for pricing everyday, you are getting asked the same questions over and over...and you know that if you could just put all of this information on a website: it would save you time, money and energy!  Your website serves as a digital hub where future clients, and your audience  can learn more about your products or services, your story, and ultimately, make a purchase. So if you keep getting asked the same questions over and over again in person -- it's time to get a website! 

What purpose should your website serve: 

1.  Resource centre for 'strangers':  Even if you're running an e-commerce business, providing information about your products, services is super important.  Consumers want to know the story behind your brand, the benefits of your offerings, and any relevant details that can help them make informed decisions. The more they know -- the more likely they are to buy! Just like this blog - or all of our other ones you can check out here! 

3. Increased Visibility: Every website should have a blog section - this way Google knows you exist and will show your blogs / articles to people. This not only allows you to showcase your expertise and establish credibility but also provides numerous opportunities for search engine optimization (SEO).So if someone is searching for Pilates Studios in Calgary Alberta -- and you've been blogging about your studio / teachers / experience -- you're more likely to come up on google vs your competition who is NOT using a blog or website ;) 

4. Call to Actions:  Whether it's booking a service, making a purchase, or scheduling a consultation, your website should include clear CTAs that guide visitors towards taking the desired action.Your website can be your CASH register!

5. Lead Generation: Your website should collect email addresses, phone numbers or -- their information! This is a KEY ingredient to a website, you want to collect leads...right!? 

 Here are three signs that indicate it might be too early to build a website:

1. Still in 'I'm not sure mode':  If your business is in the early stages and you're still refining your offerings or target market, it might be premature to invest in a website. Focus on validating your business model and gaining clarity before committing to a website. We see this almost weekly - a client says "once my website is done I'll put my business out into the world" when really it should be put your business OUT to the world -- and then let them find your website. Don't use your website as a form of procrastination ;) Get yourself out there! 

2. Lack of Professional Assets: Professional photos and branding are crucial for making a strong first impression online. If you don't have high-quality photos of your products it's hard to make a website look great. A huge no in our books: do not use stock images that look NOTHING like you or your products!

3. Super Limited Budget: This is a perspective because budgets and costs vary but -- we as a marketing agency cannot build a website for $500. Building a website is an investment, and while it's possible to create a basic site for free or at a low cost by using Wix or some other platforms, skimping on quality can negatively impact your brand perception. If you don't have the budget to create a website that reflects the professionalism and credibility of your business, save up -- know what you want and then dive in! 

After years of working with a variety of business owners - having a website is important - but having relationships & a wonderful product is more important. You want to be 'google-able' but you also want to be memorable for your potential or current clients, right?

Focus on building genuine relationships, providing value to your audience, and refining your business model before making the leap into website ownership. 

Questions to Ask Before Hiring Someone to Build A Website for your business 

If you are ready to take the plunge and invest in a website for your business,  that's great! But before you hire someone to bring your vision to life, there are a few important questions you should ask to ensure a smooth and successful collaboration. Let's dive into them:

1. What is the Timeline from Start to Expected Finish Date?

A reputable website developer or agency will be able to provide you with a clear timeline for your project. This includes specific start and finish dates, as well as milestones along the way. Look for someone who can commit to a realistic timeline and prioritize your project among their other commitments. We also suggest setting up weekly check-in meetings so you can ask questions, and know that your website is being worked on. 

 2. What Pages Are Included in the Build?

Aww -- we see this ALL the time. You hire someone to build a website but then wonder where the opt in page is, or the blog page is. Just to find out that wasn't included in the scope of work. SOO let's be clear - you should know exactly what you get when you hire someone to build your website - down to what pages are included and what may cost you extra.  Be specific about the pages you need, such as home, about, services, contact, blog, etc. If you have this clarity before hiring someone it's also easier to ask them! 

3. Will I Have Access to Edit, Change, etc., My Website when it's complete?

One of the questions we ask our clients is "do you have access to add a blog" etc? And to be completely honest with you so many of them say they aren't sure! We think this is an important part of knowing your business! You should have the freedom to make updates, add new content, or make changes to existing pages without relying solely on the developer. You should also ask the website person (or company) if you can have a tutorial or documentation on how to access things on your website! 

Have fun don't rush into building a website - but ask yourself if it will save you time, energy and build leads -- and you should be totally okay! 

- Megan