Just a few years ago, it was possible to debate whether a business needed a website.
Those days are gone. Most business owners — professionals, entrepreneurs, coaches — know they need one.
But I still see websites that, frankly, stink. Maybe they’re home-made. Maybe they were top of the line 5 years ago. Maybe they were just the best the business owner could afford at the time.
But 5 years is a long time in internet years.
Software Changes
New standards arise, and old ones fall.
Hackers learn to corrupt websites, and then the vulnerabilities are plugged.
New capabilities arise, and you can do things with your site now that would have amazed you just a few years ago.
One crucial change that you need to be aware of: Mobile is off the “nice to have” list and firmly on the “required” list. When only the tech-savvy early-adopter was reading websites on a smart phone or tablet, it was a question of audience. Would your website really need to be readable on a smaller screen? Now everybody and his grandma are using smaller devices, and your website needs to accommodate them.
Designs Change
You wouldn’t show up for a client interview in a 1970s outfit (well, there might be clients that would be appropriate for). Your website might just be the equivalent of a bell-bottomed plaid leisure suit.
[tweetthis]Your website might just be the equivalent of a bell-bottomed plaid leisure suit.[/tweetthis]
If it is, it’s time for an upgrade.
Your Needs Change
Are you running the exact same business now that you were five years ago? Are you speaking to the same people? Do you have the same means of attracting them to your site?
I would be surprised if you answered yes.
Does your website meet the new challenges you’ve taken on?
This is the first in a series of blog posts about how to create a website that works for your business.
Do It Yourself
Maybe you want to do it yourself
If so, you have outstanding opportunities to do that. Creating a website can be as simple or complicated as you need it to be. The strategies I’m going to give you will help you make good decisions about what sort of website you need.
Have It Done for You
Maybe you want to hire someone to upgrade your website.
For many, if not most, professionals, they have enough to do in their day-to-day work that they don’t have the leisure to learn a new set of skills. You might spend anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 and up for a website.
To be sure you get your money’s worth, you need to know at least what makes a good website and what you want your website to do.
A lot of people claim to be a web designers. Some of them don’t know the first thing about web design. Some can make a pretty picture on the web but not how your site builds your business. Some basic knowledge will help you make a good choice when you hire someone.
Mix of DIY and DFY
Maybe you’ll choose a hybrid approach.
With the right kind of website, you may find it possible to have your site designed and set up for you, and you can take over with updates and maintenance — or some combination that makes sense to you.
Upgrading Your Site
If you’re thinking about an upgrade — or wondering if you really need one — you’ll find advice in this blog series. Sign up to get blog updates as I explore the strategy behind a great business website.
