Making your Website Work for YOU-How to set-up Workflows

Let's look at some ways your website can work for you. As a new start-up or existing business owner, it is always a priority to maximize cashflow while investing where you will see the biggest return on investment.

Investing in a new website can seem expensive. However, in today's world, every business needs a website to establish that they exist.

When building a new website or as an existing business owner who already has one, you should consider how the website is "working for you."

Let's look at some ways you can maximize your ROI and website design strategy to include making your site work for you.

Tip #1 - Think through the eyes of your customer when laying out your site.

Sometimes it can be challenging to think through the lense of your target client but it is crucial when mapping out a website design. It is important to spend some time thinking about the client journey-your website is their guide to working with you. What will that look like if someone finds you through a Google search?

Keep it simple!!! I can't stress this enough-if someone lands on your site and doesn't quickly understand what you offer and what problem you solve, they are going to leave. You need to have a clear call to action.

Tip #2 - Have a clear Call To Action (CTA).

A call to action can be anything from a button in your header to a link at the very top of your page that sends the site visitor to the next step to work with you. It needs to be clear and serve a guiding purpose. There is no need to get uber-creative. Tell them where the button will take them. For my website, the main CTA is a "design inquiry". A button that links the site visitor to a form to complete to start the process of working with me.

"If you don't drive your business, you will be driven out of business." – B.C. Forbes

Tip #3 - Utilize free options until you have established some cashflow.

If part of your process is scheduling a phone or video chat with a prospective client, send them a link to book directly to a calendar already set up with your availability or post a link as a CTA on your website. Make it easy for them to pick a spot that works for them.

Some free options include Google Calendar or Calendly. If your business operates on scheduling as a main function such as a yoga studio, consider a paid service like Acuity Scheduling through Squarespace.

Tip #4 - Make it easy to do business with you.

Here is a sample workflow for a service based business:

1. Site visitor clicks CTA button to "work with you"-this takes them to a simple intake form allowing you to gather information about them right away vs. having to go back and forth via email and also outlines next steps.

2. You review their intake form and send a welcome email with a link to your Calendly calendar where they can select an appointment time convenient for them-the calendar is obviously pre-filled with options that work for you as well.

3. Post call you send an email thanking them for their time outlining next steps with a link to book and pay for your service through Square.

4. New client has paid and booked your service.

Tip #5 - Have a plan to upgrade your process

As you grow and can begin to afford better options, find ways to improve your client experience. There are many paid client management systems that you can easily integrate into your website with more bells and whistles.

As business owners, time is a precious commodity. Having a plan for when you experience growth will help free up time and ensure your client experience improves and grows right along with you!

Another thing to consider is email automation-some of these features are available through your website platform. For example, Wix and Squarespace both have email options with various levels of automation.

Do you need a little help getting on the right path?

I truly enjoy helping new and established business owners come up with a plan that will work for their business with the opportunity to grow with you. I offer this as an add-on service to my web design packages.

Message me with any questions: jlwatrob@north8designs.com.