Business owners often view “website marketing” as “website makeover.” In fact, your website marketing may be fine just the way you have it now.
Every so often I get invited to critique a solo-preneur’s website… and I end up saying, “Hey, this website is terrific! Why on earth do you want a makeover?”
Here are 3 of the most common reasons you may think you need a makeover, when you may need some strategic website marketing planning … or maybe nothing at all.
A “free evaluation” from a marketing coach, web designer or copywriter.
At the risk of stepping on a mountain of toes, I’ll say, “You get what you pay for.” Busy writers, designers and coaches rarely have time to offer in-depth consultations without charging.
You may pick up a few tips, such as “Don’t use italics in the body copy.” You may get chosen for a makeover that will be used as a demo to promote the resource.
The truth is … your website alone doesn’t tell the story. You have to look *outside* your website to decide if you need one.
You hire a business coach, copywriter, or marketing coach who says, “Let’s start with a website makeover.”
[Insert red flag and warning buzzer here.]
Before recommending a website makeover, your consultant needs to review your strategy and your current programs. I’m a great believer of fixing things only when they’re broken and building new things only when you have (a) a realistic objective and (b) a reason to believe the new site will move you towards your objective.
When I work with clients as a consultant or coach, we don’t discuss websites for 2 or 3 sessions – longer if my client is starting a new business or a new business direction. It’s easy to start with the website but painful to make changes as the business plan and strategy evolve.
You’re getting *good* clients and you enjoy working with them. But every so often someone says, “You know, your website is awful. You really should fix it.”
The printable part of my response is, “Take a hike.” Some of the ugliest websites are the most successful.
A website makeover is not a magic wand. Without a strong underlying purpose and strategy, the makeover won’t do anything for your business. But sometimes, you will notice a difference in your revenue almost immediately, so here are …
3 GOOD Reasons To Get a Website Makeover
You’ve outgrown your website: your current clients and business are not reflected in your current.
You constantly get asked, “I didn’t know you offered this service…” and it’s your signature program.
You attract interest and queries from prospects who are the wrong clients for your business, so you end up wasting time.
If you’d like a consultation about your own website marketing goals, or your online marketing strategy in general, let’s begin with a Laser Marketing Makeover. It’s like adding a jolt of espresso to a cup of coffee: you get an immediate lift! Learn more here.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks, Tim – that is so true! It’s like pulling down a wall to hang a picture.
Cathy,
These are great points. Too many people rush into a website redesign when what they really need is a marketing plan or some other help. There may be times when their website does not align with their marketing goals and THAT should be the reason for a website redesign. A good deal of the time the website just needs a little tweaking.
Tim