How to Create an Effective Small Business Website
Do you run a small business? Or a local business with local customers? Did you build a website and no-one came?
So many small business owners go about putting their business on the Web the WRONG way! Let's do it the RIGHT way!
Can You Do it Yourself?
It's often said by professional website designers and developers that it is not possible for the average small business owner to build an effective web site by yourself. In some cases, that may be true. If you need to build a complex, interactive, Flash or database-driven site, or have special programming requirements, then yes, you would be better off seeking the services of a professional.
But what if you're a small business service provider such as an accountant, landscape gardener or piano tutor, and you just want to create a website which delivers targeted leads for your business? And what if you have no idea what HTML is or how to market your business on the Web? Can YOU build your own website?
While there are many DIY site building applications out there the great majority of them focus on only the visual and functional aspects of your site. Yes, they will create a "website" for you but there is much more to achieving success online that just "putting up a website".
There are in fact many solutions out there, but very few actually focus on the success of your business. A web site is just a means to an end - to generate profits for your business. If it doesn't achieve that then the whole exercise is pointless. You may as well put up a poster in the desert.
So, the secret to succes is to choose the RIGHT solution. Yes, it is possible to do it yourself, but don't fall into the trap of thinking that just because your website looks great it's going to get traffic and convert visitors to clients.
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Top Website Builders
Site Build It & XSitePro Review
Site Build It Review
Site Build It has been around for some time now. For me, it continues to set the standard. Check out my full review of Site Build It on my Web Business Solutions site.
A client of mine built his own SBI site and I've been helping him with a few things on it. But essentially he created it himself and it's a great example of how a small business service provider can build an effective lead generator using his knowledge and experience.
Check out these user videos from some other SBI users and these case studies. Here are some other sample sites.
The video action guide is a good way to get a feel for how the whole process works.
XSitePro Review
Unlike SBI, XSitePro is a stand-alone web design application. You will need to register a domain name and puchase hosting inorder to put site online.
XSitePro is nowhere near as powerful as Adobe Dreamweaver but it is a whole lot easier to learn and has built-in Search Engine Optimization and traffic building tools. It's quite possible to purchase it, learn it and build your site within one day. I don't recommend you try that with Dreamweaver!
Here is my full review of XSitePro. This is a site I knocked up myself for my daughter's soccer club.
I've created a special guide for XSitePro users called the Local Business Owners Step by Step Guide to Creating an Effective Website with XSitePro. Completely free.
Like to learn more about building your own small business website? Check out my FREE guide - Put Your Business on the Web - the RIGHT Way!. You can read it online or download the PDF version for easy printing. No registration or personal details required!
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Reader Feedback
Your feedback and questions are welcome!
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Reply
- SteveMNash SteveMNash Nov 3, 2007 @ 5:54 am
- I'm a big fan of SBI! too, Steve (and Steve Krug's usability book) - thanks for the lens. Keep developing it, and hopefully you'll create a few more (based on your own SBI sites, perhaps). Steve (another one!)
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by motherduck
I work in the IT industry from my home office.
Check out my Web Business Solutions site for reviews, articles tools and advice.
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