There are No Rules

Now, here is the long answer:

Having a website gives your business a professional presence and helps you to build trust with your target market.

I don’t know about you, but I always go searching for someone’s website when I need to compare multiple providers for myself or my clients.

I sometimes do it even when someone has been referred by word of mouth – in fact; it makes it easier for your network to recommend you if you have a website they can send people to.

Whether it is an accountant, builder, plumber, digital marketing agency, freelance videographer, virtual assistant or online business manager, I will be looking for a website to learn more and form an opinion as to whether they are a good fit for my needs.

Having a website makes your brand feel established, and we recommend that you add this to your to-do list.

Now is the best time…

You don’t have to finalise your branding, source images or write the content for every page to get your website live!

You can launch a one-page website or ‘coming soon’ page with your contact details and an enquiry form fairly quickly, then work on your branding and website in the background.

Your future business that is busy with clients will thank you if you use all the client-free time you have now to work on your website and other marketing collateral.

Remember…

Progress over perfection.

This does NOT mean attention to detail is not important.

Typos on a website will turn off most potential clients.

It DOES mean you should not delay publishing because you don’t have all the content you planned for your final website ready to go.

Publish with the bare minimum. You can always add more later.

Tools of the Trade

See our recommended…

• Domain and website hosts here
• Website builders (and how to choose one of them) here
• Website plugins here

Don’t wait to apply!

While websites and socials are extremely important in presenting your business, not being ‘online’ certainly shouldn’t hold you back from getting started and approaching clients.

In lieu of completing your flashy website or social media profiles, here are a couple of ways you can display your business without the time and financial commitment of building a website.

Google Business Listing

This is a free business listing on Google that can be found by searching for your business name or keywords found in your business description.

This is a great way to increase your visibility online by providing details and photos of your business, including your location, services and products.

Genuine ratings and reviews build trust with potential future clients, so ask your employers, colleagues and clients to provide some feedback on your skills and service. Let them know what services you are offering to help them provide testimonials that talk to you relevant skills and experience.

Once you have a website, link to it in your Google Business Listing to give your site an SEO boost!

We’ve previously answered a question here about getting your Google listing set up.

Proposals

Spend time putting together a professional and well-designed proposal or brochure that will showcase your talents and experience and impress your clients-to-be.

If you’re a graphic designer or copywriter, this is your time to shine. Use this opportunity to exhibit your creative flair or wordsmith prowess.

If creativity ain’t your thing, don’t worry.  We have numerous templates to get you started.

You can use Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Canva, and many other tools. Just remember to export it as a PDF before sending it.

When the idea of using something stock standard doesn’t cut it, or you’re looking for something a little more personal, you could use this opportunity to network and build business connections.

List a project on the VA Lead Network to engage virtual assistants who specialise in the areas that you do not.  Transform your resume or scribbled business ideas into a beautiful brochure you’ll be excited to share with your clients-to-be.

Remember the plan

Having a good website and a solid online presence should still be part of your business plan.

You may win a client without one, but:

• Having a website will make it easier to win more clients
• Others will find it easier to refer you to their network
• The process of building your website will force you to define your brand and business, who your ideal clients are, and the services that you offer
• You will have proven experience (important if you offer website building or maintenance as a service)

Although websites can be expensive and bedazzling, they don’t need to be.

Your first website can be simple and concise.

Progress over perfection

Your website doesn’t need to cost you the earth; you don’t need all the bells and whistles to get started.