These are unusual times we are living in and many business owners are now experiencing the impact of the pandemic on their operations and bottom line. Many small businesses are finding it challenging to adjust to the new normal. In a span of a few weeks, meetings and conferences have moved online, cafes and restaurants have to close shop and people are looking for ways to minimize physical contact with people that do not belong to their household.
If you want your business to thrive in this new normal, you must reinvent your brand and your operations. The situation is pushing companies to embrace new ways of delivering products and services to ensure that they stay profitable in spite of this crisis. If you have not done so, now is a good time as any to create your own website and build your brand’s online presence.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend so much money to get a website up these days. In fact, a good website builder will enable you to create website free of charge, create a free blog to jumpstart your content marketing campaign and even set up an online storefront for your business. Here are a few points to think about when creating your own website.
1. Select the right website template
The first step on how to create a free website is to select an appropriate website template. One of the best things about using a website builder like Strikingly is that you get access to a wide range of modern website templates suited for virtually every type of industry and niche topic. Your choice will typically boil down to your content objectives and your personal preference.
2. Identify what features your website should have
Ideally, you should be clear about your objectives and goals for your website before proceeding to create one. Your goals will set the direction for the kind of features you will have on the site. If it’s going to be an extension of your physical business, you might want to add functions that allow you to bring your operations to the web. For instance, you can add an ecommerce platform to your site to start selling your products online or an online reservation system to book clients.
3. Create content that overcomes physical limitations
Many businesses rely on face-to-face presentations, demos and trade shows to market their products and services. With the pandemic still ongoing, these activities will have to be placed on hold. Use your website to address these issues by adding a gallery of videos, presentations and even podcasts. Learn how to create a blog for free and build content marketing materials. You can also consider members-only gated content to monetize your website.
4. Provide accurate information on your site
Customers will appreciate transparency on how the current situation impacts some of your processes. Many will understand the changes in your ability to deliver products and services but you have to communicate this information in an accurate and clear manner. This ensures that you maintain your brand’s credibility and your customer’s loyalty. With Strikingly’s website builder, learn how to start a blog for free and constantly add information to update your customers on any changes or improvements to your operations.
5. Connect your social media pages
Finally, it’s important to keep a cohesive web presence. Connect your social media accounts to your website. Every time you update your website, link pages and content to your social pages.
