Websites…demystified
When I create websites for my clients, we work in a collaborative way so they’re learning about what websites are, how they work, and how to update them. These blog posts answer many of the questions my clients have as we work together. I hope you find this information helpful too.
Do you REALLY need a website?
Everyone tells you that you must have a website, but do you? Learn some of the ways you can promote your business without a website, either temporarily or permanently.
Saying "no" means saying "yes" to yourself
Saying "no" has never been easy for me. As someone who likes people around me to be happy, saying "no," risking disappointment or inconvenience for others, is something I avoided in my younger years. I'm finally starting to get the hang of it though. Here’s to you finding your “no” too!
A good website has everything a local bakery has
People have been asking me recently what they need to put on a new website. What pages do they need? What information do they need to include? It occurred to me that a website is like an old-fashioned bakery, like those I've seen in the North End section of Boston or in small European villages.
Quit telling me to "submit" on your Squarespace Contact form
It's a pet peeve of mine. Website builders use the word "Submit" as the default button text on a form and I dislike seeing that word on a form I'm filling out. I might like to send you a message but I'm certainly not going to "submit" to anything. Do me, and the internet, a favor and change the default button text on your Contact forms to anything other than "Submit."
Letting go frees you to embrace something new
As I sit here this morning, no longer a motorhome owner, I feel a familiar feeling of being in an in-between time. I can tell you from experience though that when you let go of something that no longer serves you and use the in-between time to relax, dream, and follow your heart, the freedom and spaciousness of that time will allow something better to come into your life.
Creativity and focus need time and space
I read an article about a writer who resorted to renting a cabin in the woods for two days without internet service or a cell phone to reach his goal of writing 40,000 words for his upcoming book. I won't be renting a cabin in the woods anytime soon, but I think I'll take some inspiration from this article to think about unplugging at regular intervals to give myself some quiet time to allow creativity and new ideas room to grow.
You need a website like you need a coat rack
A coat rack is a central location in your house where all the coats, hats, and scarves are kept. It's a meeting place for all of that outdoor apparel. A website is like a coat rack that organizes all the marketing apparel for your business: your About Me information, your Services descriptions, testimonials, photo galleries, product pages, blog posts, a contact form, and links to social media accounts. So what are you waiting for? Get that long-postponed website designed and launched. After all, your home (page) is where you hang your hat.
Where do your potential customers hang out online?
I use social media for my website design business to establish my expertise and promote my business, to get ideas from others in my field or related fields, and to inspire or share information with my potential or current small-business clients. I do my best to post on a few social media channels several times a week. I create original posts and I also share helpful posts from others in my industry. I researched where my potential customers are spending time online and now focus on posting in those locations.
Popping your head out from time to time is good for your business
As a confirmed introvert, I've tended to favor online networking strategies rather than in-person networking events. That's why it was a stretch to go to a local Women's Business Networking event last night. Reflecting this morning on the evening, I'm really glad I donned my courage cape and took the chance at trying something new. I'm glad to be back in my den this morning, but if I hadn't popped my head out to check the weather "out there," I would have missed out on learning and networking opportunities that I couldn't have had any other way.
Why compressing files to save space is like stuffing pillows into a suitcase
When you have limited disk storage (such as the free 15 GB of storage you get with a Google account), it's important to know how to store files in a way that takes up the least amount of space. When a client asked me the other day about what it means to create .zip files to save storage space, it occurred to me that the process of compressing files into a .zip file is like storing pillows in a suitcase.
What's the personality of your healing business?
I came across an article about developing a "brand" for your healing business that echoes much of what I think about as I'm helping small businesses plan the design of a new website. Your business "brand" is who you are and what you have to offer as a healer. The colors, images, and text you add reflect what you have to share with clients as you help them on a healing journey.
Only 2% of your Facebook followers will see your posts
I attended a webinar about using Facebook and Instagram for my small business. I learned several helpful tips that will guide me to using my time wisely on social media.
Your website design is an extension of you and your business
When a potential client approaches me about working together, the first thing I do is send out a questionnaire to get a sense of what the vision is for the website. The questionnaire includes practical questions about which features are needed, such as a blog, a calendar, a newsletter, and so on. But it also includes questions that elicit more thoughtful responses about what the personality of the business is and how the website will support that.
Photoshopping for treasure
Photoshop continues to amaze me with its hidden gems. Never has there been a better time for a non-artist like me to have access to this type of tool for enhancing website images. Today, I made ancient parchment, thanks to Photoshop filters.
When two weeks isn't enough for your Squarespace trial site
Squarespace policy states that you have two weeks to create a website before you need to pay for a plan, but I’ve found that you'll probably be given more time if you need it.
Your website will never be perfect, but that's perfectly okay
Your website design will never be complete or perfect. But that's okay because your business is always changing too. Easy-to-use website design builders like Squarespace help you make changes quickly and affordably, so don't be afraid to try new things and see how they work out.
Reconnecting my website’s social media feed
Squarespace makes it easy to keep the social media feed blocks on your website in sync with the postings you've updated or deleted on your social media accounts. No need to worry; your website can keep up with your social media missteps.