Don't Do Your Website Badly

There is one instance where a website may not be a good idea for your business. A poor website damages your business by reflecting a lack of professionalism and quality, not to mention a missed opportunity.

Image via The Age

In our experience, the most common way that websites fail is when the business owner does not (or cannot) invest the money and/or time to make a website work for them.

Think about the following types of websites and which commitment level would be appropriate to your business.

Description

+ Advantages

- Disadvantages

Brochure site

A small website (fewer than 10 pages) that shows who I am and what I do
  • Low level of commitment of time and money (site updated once or twice per year)
  • Quick to launch
  • In most cases won't have to develop new content for the site but just use existing brochures/information etc.
  • Hard to distinguish from competitor's sites
  • Often contains outdated information (so remember not to include time-specific information!)

Small Website

A site with around 10 pages that has detailed information about your company and products/services
  • Better search results
  • Allows more differentiation than brochure site
  • Requires ongoing time commitment to update (once or twice per month)

Website Presence

A site that has content added weekly and is regulary visited by clients and potential clients
  • Best potential to win new business
  • You are positioned as an expert
  • Dominate search results
  • High level of commitment (site updated once or twice per week)

Just remember that this choice is not for life. Once you see some of the benefits a smaller website makes for your business, you might decide to invest more money and time on your website for a better return.