\nEvery great idea must come with a purpose \u2013 a reason why. This is to ensure that you always remember why you want to do what you are doing. In business, we call this a mission statement. A good mission statement will always be the bigger picture goal<\/a> and will help motivate you in times of success and in times of failure.<\/p>\n
For example, why does Yola have a free website builder? To provide the tools that allow people and businesses to build awesome websites that help them be independent, creative and get online without hassle, high cost or fear.<\/p>\n
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2. Define your audience or customers<\/strong> 3. Define the problems your audience\/customer face<\/strong> If you have a contracting business, then your customer might need an affordable, trustworthy and good contractor to redesign his bathroom or kitchen. The solutions that your customer is looking for is the package of \u201caffordable, trustworthy and good.\u201d<\/p>\n Framing your business in the context of problems and solutions will also help you define your unique value to your customers and in your website copy.<\/p>\n 4. Choose your brand<\/strong> Ask yourself what colors, fonts and images really drive home the message of your brand and value to your customers. Do you want to convey a feeling of friendly or serious? Emotions and psychology play an important role in how people visually understand your website.<\/p>\n 5. Build a website<\/strong> Remember, a website will never truly be finished, there\u2019s always an area to improve upon. Take a moment to learn how you can better serve your customers and prospects through your website.<\/p>\n 6. Develop a marketing strategy<\/strong>
\nWe\u2019ve talked about audience before<\/a>, but in case you missed it, defining your audience is all about whom you want your customers to be. Write out who your ideal customer is as well as small and fun details about this person. What demographic (gender, age, location), what hobbies and interests, what needs, etc. that your customer is\/has.<\/p>\n
\nOnce you\u2019ve got an understanding of who your customer is, the next step is to define what he needs and what problems he has<\/a>. This is where your product or service comes into play.<\/p>\n
\nA unique value proposition<\/a> is also part of your brand or brand promise and what separates you from the competition. Having this statement defined will do worlds in helping you make decisions for your business as well as your website.<\/p>\n
\nHaving a great website<\/a> is the single most effective way to drive new business as well as maintain existing and return customers. Your website is available 24\/7 representing your brand and your offering. Make it a point to have a great website that is always evolving. There are tons of tools and resources available to help you along the way.<\/p>\n
\nIt\u2019s time to celebrate. You\u2019ve published your website and set up your business. Congrats! Now it\u2019s time to figure out how to get more people looking at your website and, ideally, buying from your website. There are a few ways to go about marketing your website online. It\u2019s a \u201cchoose your own adventure\u201d kind of thing.<\/p>\n
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