Invest in a website that aligns with you AND your clients!
Welcome to my first blog post on my brand new website! After close to a year of working with various project mangers, developers and a writer, it is now complete and time to shift my attention back to blogging. And, what better way to return to blogging on a new website than to talk about why having a current website is so important for small business owners.
I knew that doing a full overhaul of my website wasn’t going to be an inexpensive or speedy process; however, as a therapist, coach and clinical supervisor with almost a decade in a successful private practice proceeded by an equally successful, long-term career in HR in corporate America, I know that it is essential to stay relevant and up-to-date. And now with more and more people using the web to connect with therapists, coaches and other small business owners, having a current, accessible, easy-to-navigate and ascetically appealing website is more important than ever.
I realized about a year ago that while my website was okay, it no longer accurately reflected who I was as a therapist and coach. Essentially, while I had grown professionally and website designs and technology had changed significantly, my website had remained the same. It looked and felt dated, and I wanted to utilize a new platform, theme, written copy and images that truly reflected my values and practice. I also knew that I needed a site that was user-friendly and optimized well as there’s no point in having a great website if no one can find it or navigate it.
As a therapist and coach who draws heavily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT)—both in working with clients and in running my business—I also know how important it is to be flexible and to approach endeavors, especially business ventures, with agility. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of being responsive to the marketplace, meeting current needs and creating an environment—both in the office and online—that is approachable, accessible and current.
I recently encountered a book, There Is No B2B or B2C: It’s Human to Human: H2H, which addresses how it’s humans—not businesses—that have the thoughts and feelings that lead to decisions. We’re no longer in a B2B or B2C (Business to Business/Business to Consumer) marketing world, especially when it comes to small businesses. It’s more like a H2H—Human-to-Human—business environment. Thought leader and social media expert Bryan Kramer’s insightful, practical guide instructs readers on how to reframe their online communication so it aligns with the ever changing and fast moving digital world. Much inline with ACT, his approach is human (value) oriented and action-based. After all, you’re not going to attract new clients by being ambivalent and/or taking no action, right? And, when it comes to small business marketing, you need to spend money to make money. With millions of people turning to Google to find a therapist or coach and a desire to continue building my online coaching practice, I knew that investing in a new website was not only a wise choice, but a necessary one.
Given that I wanted a website that was built to last and stay relevant for at least five years, this was an investment that I wanted to get right. Similarly to buying a new car or home, I wanted to ensure that I got a solid product and a good return on my investment. Like so many small business owners, I’m tasked with wearing many hats and making multiple decisions every day. Again drawing from ACT, I didn’t make rushed choices, and before I began spending energy and money on a new website, I took the time to reconnect with my personal and professional values. I developed a website marketing plan based on those values and then created a website that focused on who I wanted to reach and serve and how I wanted to serve them.
The Benefits of Small Business Coaching
As a business coach, I know how important it is to have a thoughtful, effective and flexible business plan and someone you trust to help you get clear on your values, goals, direction and purpose when doing any type of small business marketing. When investing resources into your company, such as hiring someone to build you a new website, a good coach can help you devise a plan that ensures that your passion and purpose is reflected in how you reach, inform and engage with potential clients. Whether it’s through continuity in colors, tone and images in a website or other forms of client connection and engagement, it’s important to know who you are and what is important to you as a business owner before investing into your small business.
There’s so much noise out there about the do’s and don’ts of small business marketing. A good business coach can help you cut through that noise, tap into what’s important to you and make informed and practical decisions that align with you as a business owner. Whether it’s updating your website or creating a solid business plan, a trusted advisor can help you identify your goals and values and take the actions needed to reach your professional goals with integrity, flexibility and increased ease.
Take Your Small Business To The Next Level
It is possible to enjoy professional success and live in alignment with your values. It’s also possible to smartly use website technology as a bridge to increase connection. How have you used technology to build bridges rather than create disconnection? What would you like to know more about?
If you’re a small business owner who is ready to clarify goals, connect with your ideal clients live and work with more competency, confidence and ease, I invite you to contact me at 720-260-7702 to schedule a free 20-minute call. I’m happy to discuss your particular needs and goals and answer any questions you have about small business coaching and my practice.
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