Building a Presence with a Website

Having a blog is an excellent way to update your followers on what you are doing, services and/or products you offer, not to mention establishing yourself as an expert in the field. You can be informative, engaging, funny, serious, or a combination thereof. In general though, blogs are not enough.

I know, I know. I have had blogs for many years, and never really embraced a formal website of my own. There are some businesses who do without websites entirely, instead focusing their energy into their social media channels. It can work, but the thing is, a website works together with social media to make a bigger impact. And it’s time I did something about that myself.

Why You Need a Website

A website. Why do you need one? There are a few reasons.

• SEO (search engine optimization) is based on website performance. An active social media presence can help, but ultimately, search engines look at websites. Without one and you risk make being found that much harder to achieve.
• There’s no getting around it. Websites help you look more professional. They are a solid landing place for people to go to find out everything they need to know about your company.
• As far as a landing place goes, websites offer a great space for you to show off your best side. Add customer reviews, rewards and accolades received, and quality content to offer the most favourable impression you can. This is where you get to brag!
• This is where you get found. A website helps customers find you, whether that is a phone number, email, physical location, or space to shop. That website helps to open the doors to a new relationship, so make sure to put your best foot forward when you are designing it.
• As the last year has proven, an online presence is key to keeping your business running, even when your doors aren’t open to the public. No door, no problem when customers can knock on your website.

Why do I need a website? For all those reasons too. I want people to be able to find me. A website allows people to do their research on what I offer, to help them decide if I might be a good fit for them. Who is this person? Why should I care? What kind of relationship might we be able to build? Hopefully a website will make it easier for people to decide that for themselves. Plus, with a book coming out soon, I can keep followers up to date on the process, let them know about possible readings/book signings/online events, and give them a place to purchase the book.

Lots going on behind the scenes for me. Stay tuned to learn more soon. And if you are still wondering about the website thing, shoot me a question or two. I know some pretty smart SEO folks who can fill in any blanks I might not be able to answer. Have fun dreaming up your new website design!