Do I Need a Professional Website? What Every Entrepreneur Needs To Know To Get Online

branding and website design Oct 24, 2024

In today’s digital world, a professional website is no longer optional for new business owners—it’s essential. Whether you’re a digital creator, online coach/service provider, an e-commerce seller, or a local business, having an online presence is crucial for growth, credibility, and success. It not only sets you up for success as a credible leader in your field but a website also gives you the confidence to show up and share your expertise. Let’s dive into why every new business owner needs a professional website and how to get started on the right foot.

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Why You Need a Website: Professionalism, Reach, and Control

1. Show Up As a Professional

Your website is often the first point of contact with potential customers. A professional website creates a lasting impression, demonstrating that you’re serious about your business and invested in providing value to your audience. It establishes trust, showcases your brand’s identity, and helps differentiate you from competitors. Have you ever talked with someone that provides a service you might be interested in using and when you ask them for their business name and website, they don’t have one? All of a sudden that company feels dodgy and unreliable. Without a website, customers may view your business as outdated or question its legitimacy.

2. Extend Your Reach

A website allows your business to be open 24/7, reaching a global audience that’s not limited by geographical location. Whether you’re selling products, offering services, or simply providing information, a well-optimized website can attract potential customers around the clock. A professional website helps you rank higher on search engines, improving your visibility and bringing in more leads or sales.

3. Have Full Control Over Your Brand

Social media platforms are great, but they come with limitations—you don’t own the space, and algorithm changes can drastically affect your reach. A website, on the other hand, gives you full control over how your business is presented. You can tailor content, manage the user experience, and control every aspect of your brand’s messaging. It’s a platform you own, providing a stable foundation for long-term growth. how-to-get-started-with-a-professional-website

How To Get Started With A Professional Website

Now that you understand the importance of a website, let’s look at how you can build a professional online presence.

1. Choose a Platform

There are many website-building platforms available, from user-friendly options like Kajabi or AttractWell, which are great for digital courses, coaches, and service providers, to Wix and SquareSpace, which allow flexible design with plug-and-play like features; super SEO-friendly platforms like WordPress to more advanced platforms like Shopify for e-commerce businesses.

The best platform depends on your needs—if you’re focused on blogging or content marketing, WordPress is a solid choice. For selling products, Shopify might be the most seamless option. If you’re a local service provider, Wix or SquareSpace offer simple, customizable templates, and if your goal is to reach the masses with your courses, online programs, membership and service offerings, Kajabi and AttractWell are perfect all-in-one options.

Take into consideration your budget, ease of use, scalability, and the kind of support you might need down the road. Most platforms offer free trials, so you can explore which works best for you before committing.

2. Design with Your Audience in Mind

A visually appealing website is important, but functionality and user experience are even more critical. Design your website with your audience in mind. What are they looking for? How do they navigate sites, and what information are they most interested in? Your website’s layout should be intuitive and mobile-friendly, with clear calls to action. Learn more about the top 10 website must-have features here.

Choose a simple, clean design that reflects your brand identity and makes it easy for visitors to engage with your content. Remember, your website should be an extension of your brand and help foster a connection with your audience.

3. Essential Pages to Include

Your website should contain a few core pages that inform and engage your audience:

Home: A welcoming overview of your business, including key offerings, value proposition, and a clear call to action.
About Us: Share your story, mission, and what sets you apart from competitors.
Products/Services: Detailed descriptions of what you offer, including pricing and any relevant FAQs.
Contact: Make it easy for customers to get in touch with you. Include a contact form, email address, phone number, and social media links.
Blog/Resources: Consider adding a blog or resource page to provide valuable content, boost your SEO, and establish authority in your industry.

These essential pages give visitors a clear understanding of your business and how they can engage with you.

And guess what!? You can save time with our Webpage Templates designed for select platforms like Kajabi and AttractWell.

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Next Step: Integrating with Social Media - How to Drive Traffic from Social Channels

Social media is a powerful tool for driving traffic to your website. By integrating your website with your social media accounts and consistently directing your social media audience to your website, you create a seamless loop between your online platforms. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Add Social Media Icons To Your Website: Include icons that link to your social profiles on every page of your website. Make them easy to find in headers, footers, and the contact page.
Share Your Content From Your Website To Your Social Media: Regularly share your blog posts, product updates, or special promotions on social media. Encourage followers to visit your site for more detailed content or to make purchases.
Use Social Proof: Incorporate user-generated content, testimonials, or social media feeds directly on your website. This adds credibility and builds trust with new visitors.
Leverage Paid Ads: Social media ads can target specific demographics, driving targeted traffic to your site. Facebook and Instagram ads are particularly effective for e-commerce, while LinkedIn works well for B2B services.

Final Thoughts: The Long-Term Benefits of Having Your Own Website

Having a professional website is a long-term investment that pays off in numerous ways.

It provides your business with credibility.
It helps you reach a broader audience
It gives you full control over your brand’s presentation.

As your business grows, your website will evolve into a valuable asset that supports customer engagement, lead generation, and sales.

If you’re a new business owner, don’t wait—start building your website today. It’s a crucial step toward building a successful, lasting business in today’s digital-first world and we have the perfect Masterclass to help you get started.

Register for our FREE masterclass: The Science Behind Creating an Irresistible Website That Actually Gets People to Take Action and Buy.