I bring some good news today! Welcome to this new section of my blog: the entrepreneurial Mondays. Every Monday, I will talk about something that concerns entrepreneurs and SMEs. As I already told you in previous posts, apart from being translators and interpreters, we are also business owners and we have to learn how to act as such. So, entrepreneurs, stay tuned! This section is all for you.

In this first post of this brand new section, I am going to talk about why entrepreneurs should invest in their website.

• Why should you invest in a professional website?

You have a degree, even a postgraduate. You have spent months defining your services and getting your business ready. You are spending time, sometimes even money, in going to events and taking CPD courses related to your industry and trying to network with professionals in your fields of expertise. And then… Nothing happens. Why is that? The first question that you have to ask yourself: “am I investing my time/money correctly?”

If you want to start a business, you need to invest time and money. However, what should I invest in? During the first stage of your business, your image is one of the most important aspect that you should pay attention to. Why? Because during the first months/years, potential clients are going to start getting to know you and your business, and first impressions are crucial.

Obviously, you can also make a good first impression during an event. The problem is that there must be a follow-up to hook your client into your business. And that’s your website, your logo and your brand. If you want to launch your business, you must be willing to invest in it.

• Ok, I’m convinced now… But how do I invest in my website?

I can’t highlight enough the importance of having a financial plan. Analyse your financial situation and figure out your budget for your marketing materials. Then, you will have to think carefully about your needs to invest in the perfect website for you.

• What I am going to use my website for? Are you going to sell products? Then you should go for an ecommerce website. Are you going to promote your services? Then you may consider paying more attention in the copy of your website and hire a copywriter. In conclusion, think about the role of your website within your marketing plan and exploit the most relevant aspects of your website.
• Who am I going to target my website at? Think about your audience, the people that are going to spend their time reading your website. Explore your Ideal Customer Avatar and get to know them as much as you can and act accordingly. Is your ICA specialise in any field? Then you can hook them into specialised content by writing a blog. Does your ICA speak English, Spanish and French? Then you may consider translate and localise your website into different languages. My philosophy: offer the best to those that follow you and your business.
• How am I going to promote my website? How are you going to attract your audience? In other words, think about what you are going to offer to your readers so they keep on reading your website. Are you going to write a blog? Are you going to work on your website’s SEO? You may also consider setting a budget to market your website.

In conclusion: I always say that if you can’t do something right, don’t do it, look for someone that can do it for you. 

Now it’s up to you. Tell me, have you ever invested in your website? To what extent did that have an impact on your business?

Reminder: During March, I have set a poll on my Facebook page where you can vote for your favourite content of this blog. Vote now so I can get to know what type of content you want me to talk about!

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