Do You Really Need a Web Site?
“The message for business people contemplating their place in cyberspace is simple and direct: get linked or get lost.” ~Vic Sussman and Kenan Pollack
Ok, so that’s a little bit harsher than I would present the topic! But, there is truth to this quote.
Where do a majority of your clients come from? In other words, where is it that people find you? Many holistic businesses that I speak with say that a majority of their clients come from word-of-mouth. Which, is a great thing! It means your current clients are talking about you, and they love the work you do for them.
So, really, what is all the fuss about web sites, and why do you need one if most of your clients come to you from word of mouth anyway?
Five years ago, when people asked me if they really needed a web site, I would tell them that it was completely up to them. That a web site wasn’t completely necessary.
Today, my answer is quite different. I always tell clients that a web site – an effective web site – is a must.
The truth is, we live in a world that is relying more and more on the internet. People use the internet, not only to find local services and businesses, but also to sort of window shop before they decide which service or business to visit.
I’ve done it myself. Just last week, I was looking for a yoga class. There are three schools in my immediate area, plus dozens of others in the surrounding area. I got online to check out the schools close-by. Two schools had web sites. I checked out both schools – and never even considered the school with no site. I found the school that resonated best with me, and I’ll be signing up for classes this week. And this is not a slam on the school with no site… it’s just that I found what I was looking for via the internet. Is the site-less school a good one? I have no doubt. But, I didn’t look into their school – and who knows who else they’ve missed because they’re missing a web site.
Don’t fret if you don’t yet have a web presence – this is not meant to be a scare-you-into-a-website sort of message. But, this is the reality that exists for businesses – including spiritually conscious businesses.
Luckily, it’s not difficult to set up a simple web site. You just need to know the key ingredients, and put a little time and effort into it. You don’t need all the bells and whistles – you just need something that connects with your potential clients.
This is not to say that you need to move your entire business to an online entity. It’s simply that having a web site will really help people find you, and it will help people connect with you in a whole new way.
The fact is, the internet is evolving, and is now a place where people go to window shop and find services. Having a web site can really help your potential clients find you, and it can help people connect with you.
What are your thoughts on having a web site? Do you have a site currently? If so, how is it doing to attract clients to you?
Next week, we’re going to talk about what the key ingredients are for an effective web site.
