Garage Entrepreneurs

by Eric Tags: attractive website, avery, building a website, business online, google, marketing materials, new business, small businesses, web designer, website customers

Jan. 15^th 2010

Recently we’ve been receiving quite a few member requests for more information on how to manage the online presence of a new business.  A major component of that online presence would be building a website.  To help our members, we asked expert Avery Swartz (www.AverySwartz.com) to write a TWO PART series on Website Tips for Entrepreneurs.  Avery is an award-winning print and web designer.  Avery works with entrepreneurs to ensure that their message is conveyed simply, clearly, and elegantly through their marketing materials. You can connect with Avery directly through her Garage Entrepreneurs profile HERE.

Congratulations – you’ve decided to launch a business, and you know that in this day and age, all businesses should have a strong online presence. Think about it – how many times do you hear about a company and then “Google it”? Having a website for your business gives it legitimacy, and provides an excellent opportunity to share your message with a potential customer. Through your website, customers (should) get a feel for who you are, what you’re all about, and how to get in touch with you.

So you know you want a website for your business – but how do you go about it? Where to start? You probably want an attractive website that functions well, and represents you, but you probably don’t have a lot of money at the start-up stage. Here are some recommendations for how to get your business online, while making sure you get the most value for your money.

Determine Your Needs

How do you picture your business’s website? What does your business need online? Most small businesses only need a “brochure website” (a simple, attractive website that lists information about the company and how to get in touch) at first. However, you may need more than a basic site, or you may need more from your website in the future. Consider your current needs and try to anticipate your future needs. A good website should grow with your business.

For extra clarity, it’s always a good idea to ask your customers for advice. What would they like to see in your business’s website? If you had online shopping, would they use it? Do they want to see photos of your company’s location, or videos of you in production? In talking with your customers, you might be surprised to learn they may have great ideas that you never thought of.

Do I have to hire someone? Or can I make the website myself?

You don’t have to hire someone to make your business’s website. There are a number of free and inexpensive tools online for creating your own site. Do a Google search for “free website” and you’ll see a number of options, most of which are template-based solutions. You choose a “look” from a short list, plunk in your information, and you’re done. But the DIY method isn’t always the best. Some things to consider: web templates offer NO originality. Some of them are of questionable quality, and do not use the latest standards in code. You run the risk of your website being incompatible with different web browsers. You might find the technology difficult to work with and hard to update. And forget about site maintenance and support. What if you have technical difficulties? Who will help you?

The low up-front cost of a DIY website is attractive, but if you choose to build your website on your own, you may find that you end up unhappy in the end. Odds are, your template-based website will end up being bland, unremarkable, and won’t truly represent who you are. Is this the look you want to present to your customers?

Yes, a DIY website might be “good enough”. But is “good enough” really what you’re striving for? Your website should be attractive, professional, well constructed, and original – just like your business. The only way to ensure that you get something phenomenal is to work with a Web Professional.

What’s a Web Professional?

A Web Professional can be an individual, or a group of people (a creative agency, or a design firm). A Web Professional has design theory and technical skills, and can translate ideas and concepts into a great looking website. Web Professionals know the latest in design trends, technical specifications, and Internet practices. It is this expertise that you’re paying for, not just the final product.

Stay tuned for Part Two of Website Tips for Small Business Owners where Avery outlines how to find a qualified Web Professional, things to consider to help you choose the right person, and some tips and pointers for working with your Web Professional of choice.

See PART TWO of Website Tips for Entrepreneurs HERE.

Avery works with small business owners to ensure that their message is conveyed simply, clearly, and elegantly through their marketing materials.

You can connect with Avery on Garage Entrepreneurs by checking out her profile HERE. You may also visit her website at www.AverySwartz.com for more information.

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