4Squared Media

As an internet marketing professional I get frustrated at times with peoples lack of understanding the true value of a website.  I can’t tell you how many people I’ve come across that are looking to start a business, but don’t want to invest any real money into their web presence.  The reality is, I get it.  I’ve been there.  I’ve been at the start of a new venture, strapped for cash and looking for shortcuts.  I understand that it is hard to come up with the captial necessary to start a business and then its even harder to decide where to spend it first.

Let’s talk about the reality of our society today.  The reality is that consumers are more and more inclined to want to see your website and based on what they see they will pass judgment on the worthiness of your business.  Of course this is my opinon based on my research.  Having an unprofessional website is the equivilant of showing up to a business meeting unprepared, wearing the clothes you used to cut the grass last weekend.

If you have a limited budget for your website don’t just resolve to make your own, unless you have a graphics and web development background.  Instead focus on a professionl look and feel along with providing the most essenital information about your website.  Make sure you clearly define how you do business and how people can reach you if they want to do business with you.  Don’t be vauge or elusive out of fear that your competion might figure out your prices.  Be straight with your customer because today’s consumer wants to be educated before speaking with you.  If your competition wants to figure out your prices, they will find a way.  Besides, competing on price alone is not competing at all.

Make sure your content really emphasizes the keywords that will be used when searching the web for your service.  In today’s search engine world content is king.  What does that mean?  It means if you sell homeowners insurance in orlando, fl, make sure you really highlight that multiple times in your content.  Don’t be tacky about it and just put useless text on your website.  Write relavent articles on your website that speak to the consumer.  Let them know that you are an expert in your field.

To recap, in order to make the most of your website regardless of your budget, focus on looking professional and writing relevant content that speaks to your target audience.