So we’ve been in quarantine for…uhh..I don’t know, 150-something days. I lost count, to be honest, but it’s been a long time.
Anyway, ever since March, I have talked to so many business owners, and they have asked me the same legitimate question:
“Why do I need a website when I already have an Instagram and Facebook page?”
It’s a great question, and I hear you.
There’s nothing wrong with having a social media page specifically dedicated to your business or a combination of your business/personal life. But when it comes to today’s current climate, we have to make sure that we are more accessible to our customers. It’s actually more advantageous to have both a social media presence and your very own website.
Because what do people do when they want to invest their time and money into a service or product? They do their homework and research the shit out of that business.
So what are the benefits of having your own website? It establishes:
- Credibility
- Professionalism
- A central hub for people to visit
- Accessibility
Using your social media to lead your customers to your website provides them with more information, resources and allows YOU to be more accessible.
As my friend and mastermind mate, Marcy Browe said, your website is YOURS. You own it. Think about it, if Facebook or Instagram decided to shut down tomorrow, your content would go with it. That’s the reality.
Gary Vaynerchuck best said it,
“There is one enormous advantage to having a personal website that you can control. And that is the very fact that you control it. That personal website will be impervious to any changes on other platforms. No more organic reach on Facebook? No problem. Your website is a platform you control, and you decide the content output. That is valuable.”
He also added, your social media should be “the gateway drug to your site.”
Preach, Gary!
Not only is your website beneficial for your customers, but it’s also a powerful tool for YOU.
- Your website tells your story, your way!
- Customers can contact you through a contact form.
- Through that contact form, you can qualify potential customers.
- You can collect user information, whether it's for your email list or analytics.
- You can sell your products through an online store
- You can promote your events.
- Share your thoughts and expertise, through a blog.
- Create online communities where people can support each other and have thoughtful, healthy discussions.
- Create a hub where you can teach and have online courses to create a bigger audience and make a more significant impact.
- Improve your SEO - which goes back to accessibility. The better your SEO is, the easier people can find you.
Before working on a client website, I like to sit down with them and ask them, “What is your number one goal for your website?” What is THE ONE THING you want your customers to do when they land on your site?
Is it to sign up for your newsletter? Schedule a call with you for a free consultation? Join your community? Your goal will help dictate your messaging, your storytelling, and the flow of your website.
So what is it?
Remember, your website is YOUR website. It’s a powerful tool that you can control and do anything you want with it. The more accessible you are, the better. It will ensure you can serve your people, your tribe easily because they will be able to find you and create connections with you.
If you would like to talk more about being accessible, using your website as a powerful tool that works for you, or chat about your goals, let’s connect and jump on a Zoom call. I’d love to hear from you!