Introducing the Affordable Website

I believe that web services as a platform have matured to the point where they offer exceptional value and, in my opinion, have moved the needle on affordable website design. I also think this is good news because simply creating a website and not marketing it in any way is like building a beautiful building in a field with no roads or trails. To say the least, such a location won’t do you much good in finding clients or vice versa! Yes, your website can be “beautiful”, but what good is it if no one can find it?

I’ve seen countless websites go bankrupt, meaning not providing any sort of return on investment. That’s why I broke with the old paradigm of “if you build it they will come” and created Buzz Marketing. I believe in a simple and modern web design that is easy to access on any type of device, but the big question that people don’t ask is, what comes after that? My Answer: Every website needs buzz factors to generate the best possible traffic. These fad factors are different for every business and there are no silver bullets. Here are some common website buzz factors that can move the needle on a small business website.

As with any web project, some research and experience is needed before considering which marketing approach can generate the best results for finding desirable web traffic. While most business owners don’t like to hear this, it’s important to note that most marketing, despite all the digital drumbeats promising this and that, is still an exercise in trial and error. You do not believe it? You are probably 30 years younger than me, just a guess.

Of course, a website does not market itself. It has to be linked to your business model in a way that makes sense for your business. This takes effort and costs money, and is just as important as the website itself. If you’ve been in business for a while, this information is probably redundant, but I’m writing this primarily for new business owners who are at the mercy of many shady services claiming to have “the best” marketing solution.

I’m here to tell you that there is no best marketing solution. Every factor that makes marketing work for a business is a variable, and learning to understand those variables for your particular business will be a likely indicator of your future success.

Anyway, to make an affordable website happen for a reasonable design fee, the basic website may lack some benefits like professional copywriting, logo design, virtual tours, e-commerce, a blog, a reservation system, a food menu, an event calendar, SEO, and the list goes on! Don’t worry, as I often tell clients, it’s okay to build your website as time and money allow.

If you’re a new business, I don’t recommend going into debt for a website unless you’re planning an online business, which in this case, is your online store and you need what you need to be in business.

What’s important to most non-ecommerce businesses is that you buy only what you need when you need it. DIY website is a possibility for business owners who have time to figure out how to make a website. However, it is not for everyone.

Consider finding a reasonably priced website starter package from a website design expert that gives you time to focus on growing your business revenue, not your expenses. If you don’t have the patience and skills to do this yourself, consider an independent partner who has a pedigree to make it happen for you.