Let's talk websites and starting a service based business. Who am I talking to? Yoga Teachers, Healers, Consultants, Coaches & Spiritual Mentors, anyone that directly works with people and provides a service. Cast your mind back about 4 years ago or so... and Wordpress was THE platform to use for your website. It was when blogging was the latest and hottest way to create a following and potentially make money. At the time, the DIY platform alternatives were pretty mediocre. They didn't have the same design functionality, flexibility or automation systems in place. And this made them look... well, clunky and DIY.
In 2017 DIY Websites are rockin' it! Why?
Because of ease & grace when it comes to making simple changes, including asking for payment.
Again today I had a conversation with a business owner who invested a lot of money into her Wordpress website being created. Over time her business has changed, and so have marketing trends. She now needs to make changes to her website but her Website Developer has gone awol, and her other contact isn't interested in doing that type of work anymore.
I could hear the frustration in her voice, as she explained how she kept trying to navigate the complex system set up behind the scenes of her Wordpress website.
All she wanted to do is keep her copy and personal brand looking fresh an up-to-date, upload videos to her website and be able to make simple changes. If she had a Wix website - this would be simple and easy for her to do.
In October this year I attended the DMSS (Digital Marketing Skill Share) Conference in Bali, Indonesia.
It was amazing and I connected with some really phenomenal people who are flying in the online business space. There were also times where it got super technical!... and this is where my belief was confirmed. As a service based business, it's important for you to understand the longevity of the technology or process you are investing in, and the risks involved when it comes to trialling, testing & maintaining the different types of software & marketing strategies.
When do you need a Wordpress website?
When you know that you have a product and service that people want and you've found the sweet spot. Basically, when your bookings are selling out and when you create online content - your audience is lapping it up.
When you have the revenue to keep investing in a Wordpress website developer to maintain all of the required plug-ins, updates and formatting etc. (Also note developers aren't necessarily designers, as in good at marketing... ask lots of questions about their skillset before engaging).
When you have the revenue to start investing properly in things such as an Assistant, Social Media Advertising, SEO, GoogleAds etc.
Before you are anywhere near this, honestly, seriously... for the love of mung beans and the next super moon!
...consider using a platform such as Wix.
It will allow you to make quick and simple changes as you and your business grows, it's cost effective AND you can make it look super slick!
This is the platform that I use to create my clients websites so they CAN get on with attracting clients to their work, and they CAN make changes quickly as they expand.
Start with a DIY platform first until you are so certain that you have hit the mark with your services and product, your ideal customer and messaging. Baby steps will save you money, frustration and tech headaches into the future.
Know what to invest your money in first.
Happy to have a conversation with you to understand more about how important this decision is for you and your business development.
Rant over... it just pains me to have these conversations with budding business owners time and time again... everything keeps changing and developing. Especially technology.
Oh, and one more thing - be SUPER careful of making decisions around a family member or friend creating your website for you... even more nightmares can occur! But that's for another blog post.
Till then, big love
Melanie xo
An avid lover of fresh coconuts & globe trotting, you will often find Melanie Midegs in Bali, Indonesia.
Melanie is a Web Designer, Online Marketer & Business Mentor specialising in service based businesses. She teaches and empowers her clients to build a strong and eye catching online presence to attract new clients to their business and a devoted following... because it matters.
Her creativity will blow your mind, as she will help to propel your vision into reality and stand out from the crowd in the over crowded market lace of yoga teachers, healers, coaches & spiritual mentors.
