Too many new solopreneurs get hung up in colors and logo design to brand and launch their website. Although these are important aspects to think about, it should not be your primary aim.
Instead, focus on the things that REALLY matter — and that is, the bottom line: attracting clients and making money!
Below is your checklist of 5 musts when launching your website:
Professionalism. Remember a first impression is a lasting one! Your website should be appealing, but not fancy. Too many bells and whistles is not only distracting, it doesn’t make you any more money or attract more clients. It will just cost too much!
It is also important to avoid misspelled words, grammatical errors, or missing punctuation. Arial, Times New Roman, Verdana are always great font choices. Font size of 10-12 point is sufficient.
Message. The primary objective of your website is to invite a unique visitor into a “sales conversation.” But this can’t be achieved if you don’t give them a reason to want to visit more than once.
Communicate authentically what problem you help them solve first (not what you do). This is a mistake many newbies make. No one cares what coaching, consulting or training is. They’re seeking solutions to their situation. Do this effectively and watch your website become a favorite.
Invitation. How do you convert a visitor into a prospect? After you’ve communicated authentically, give them a means to continue the sales process. Do this by including an opt-in on each page of your website.
Yes it’s a sales process because ultimately you will want them to spend money on your services and/or products. But first give them a free offer of perceived value, so they can sample what you do and how you can help them — risk free. This will make a purchase decision easier down the road.
Navigation. Think about the end user’s experience first and foremost. The KISS method applies here big time! Keep tabs simple and don’t add too many. Information should be accessible, and easy to navigate overall — ladies, a site map really shouldn’t be needed for your website.
Also your site should be easy for you to manage. Consider using a blog as a website: it’s easy to update on your own without always relying on a webmaster to make changes or updates. You can add fresh content on a regular basis much easier (by the way Google loves this and will regard your site as more relevant, which ultimately can lead to higher rankings).
Software. The website building software should: be affordable within your budget (did you know a custom website can cost as low as $100?), offer downloadable updates to ensure seamless integration and use moving forward., and provide support from set up through launch and maintenance.
If you are unsure of which software/platforms to use, ask around. My website is a WordPress blog and I love it; therefore I highly recommend it. However, in the end, choose what works for you.
Additionally consider also the capability to integrate user friendly e-commerce solutions; and the ability to optimize content and code for search engines and linking campaigns. Although, these are more advanced consideration points, it’s better to factor this in now, so that your website can grow as you and your business grows.
Use this checklist to help you develop your website the right way. Start attracting ideal clients and generating revenue for your business now.
Zenobia Garrison, the business success coach for women, is empowering professional women to launch a new solo business while working full time. If you found this information helpful and looking for a convenient list of freelancers and other done for you services to help you successfully launch your business, obtain a copy of my free minicourse.