“My Website sucks and I don’t have the skills to make it better or the cash to pay for it.”
I subscribe to HARO (Help A Reporter Out), which is an online platform for reporters to find experts to interview. Several times a day I receive an email that describes the type of story and questions the reporter is looking for. I’ve submitted a handful of requests in and have been interviewed for the majority of these. Recently, there was a question on how to manage a website if you aren’t technical. I decided to submit my answers. The questions are in bold below with my answers following. What questions do you have about your site, comment below!
So, you’re the owner or operator of a small business. Or maybe you’re the person at a small business who’s been tasked with running the company website. You know that your website looks outdated and tired, but you don’t have a ton of money to spend on a fancy website upgrade. On top of that, you’re just not very tech-savvy. So, what can someone in a position like this do to improve the business’ website? What are some of your tips for easy-to-do upgrades? And when should you hire a pro to revamp your business’ website?
So, what can someone in a position like this do to improve the business’ website?
If you are looking to make your website look better and don’t have the skills or the cash to do so, not to worry. The easiest thing to do is to convert to WordPress. Pick an easy to manage theme and youtube the basics. WordPress was created so everyone in your company could have access to content, which means even if you aren’t technical you can still post.
Focus on the what do I want visitors to see me as. Some of the most aesthetically pleasing sites don’t work. Create awesome content.
Start an Email Campaign with a Call To Action box on the site. Instead of relying on a visitor to check back to your site when additional material is available, ask for an email so you can keep them up to date on new blog entries, sales discounts, etc.
Email is a still a medium that everyone uses and you can track real opens instead of impressions on social media. Create campaigns around specific topics and become an educator. Visitors will likely turn into customers once they fell more comfortable with you and you educate them through an email series.
What are some of your tips for easy-to-do upgrades?
There are so many cheap to free tools on the web that any novice can use. Whether its scheduling your social media through HootSuite or adding a commenting platform like Disqus, you and your company will be better off.
WordPress is simple to use and free. All you need to pay for are some themes and hosting, which could be under 20 bucks.
And when should you hire a pro to revamp your business’ website?
Most websites are too over the top. All you really need is a basic presence that can showcase you and your work and where to contact you. Hiring a pro will cost you thousands of dollars and may not be in your budget, I would hire a pro only if you tried the first steps and just can’t figure out. Don’t overcomplicate what you want, keep it simple and make sure its mobile friendly. If you don’t have the time and can’t figure out WordPress, email me, zack@startwithhatch.com
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