Let’s Debunk a Few Website Myths (5 to be Exact)
Whether you own a mechanic shop, or sell jewelry at a local market, a great website can go a long way for any business owner.
I’m not to sure about you, but a website to me is like a key on a treasure map. It unlocks a load of information for me when searching for things like a new recipe to try out or tickets to that local band’s concert. Whatever I’m searching for, a website makes like a heck of a lot easier when discovering new businesses and receiving the exact information I need. Once you realize you need a website for your business, it would be great if the website design process was all sunshine and rainbows, but unfortunately there are a few myths that might stand in one’s way. With that in mind, we are here to quickly debunk a few of those website myths in order for your business to flourish and thrive.
myth #1) i don’t need a website to promote my business
So, imagine with me that you are taking a special someone to dinner at a new restaurant you heard about from a friend. Chances are, you will look up this restaurant to get “a feel” for the place. If you find their website and it looks like it hasn’t been updated since 1999, then you may think twice about going. But if you pull up their website and see a stylish and organized design with beautiful photos and a stellar menu, call the babysitter!
See what we mean?! Websites are crucial to any brand because they provide customers with information about your company and lay the foundation for what your business is all about. They also establish credibility for your brand, which customers take highly into consideration when browsing.
myth #2) once i create my website i’m done
Might want to think again! Throughout life you are constantly changing and evolving as a human. The same can be said of your business. So, your website should be a reflection of this ever-changing process. Creating a website can be thought of as buying a house. Much like a house requires upkeep and repairs, so does your website. Whether it’s updating your services, or editing your team page, an up to date website speaks volumes of your business. It demonstrates to users that your brand is congruent across all its platforms.
myth #3) i don’t need professional photos to create my website
It is a truth commonly acknowledged that your website is only as pretty as your photos on said website. What do we mean by this? Well, when it comes to a website, nothing communicates your brand better than beautiful photos of your products or services (unless, of course, you want to invest in video content too). In this modern day and age, people are extremely visually driven, especially with high usage of social media platforms such as Instagram or TikTok. That stuffy old truism ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ is somehow extremely fitting in this case. Photos create a lens for outsiders to look into to better understand a company and its brand.
myth #4) people will just magically find my website
The internet is a vast sea of information we often find ourselves lost in. The likelihood of stumbling across Susie Smith’s gardening blog is miniscule. That being said, your website will not emerge at the top of the Google search list overnight. It is one’s duty to direct your audience to your website in order to raise brand awareness. The best way to do this is through digital media because people can have direct access to your website with just a click of a button and will not have as much trouble locating it. Social media is a great place to start when promoting your website. You can advertise your website on all your social media platforms whether it’s Instagram or Facebook. Another excellent way to guide people to your website is through Google Marketing. When someone searches for a service in your industry, your website will be listed for them to visit.
myth #5) i can build my website myself
Yeah, you could do it yourself, but you may end up where many people do: on the couch, pulling your hair out, frustrated as heck because you’ve put hours and hours into something that still doesn’t work well for you. We are firm believers in asking for help, mainly because it frees your time up to do the important work that only you can do. For example, Anna (our creative director at VBG) could learn photography, but she’d much rather partner with our fabulous photographer, Jody Johnston. By making that choice, she’s giving herself space to focus on what she does best AND supporting local creatives. This creates a circle of health of sorts: Anna is healthier because she has a reasonable amount on her plate and Jody has new business to support the health of his venture.