Freelancer Website: When, Why, and How?
There are several pieces to this.
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A website is a necessary part of running ANY size business in the 21st century.
But as a freelancer or small business owner, do you need one the moment you start thinking about freelancing? Once you have a good idea? When you get your first client?
Those are great questions!
Let’s dive into some answers.
When should you start a website?
This can vary. However, the smartest and safest move is to reserve the domain name (the URL) once you have a business name in mind.
Even if you don’t intend to start selling your products or services immediately, having the domain and social media handles ensures you’ll have the ones you want when you ARE ready.
As for actually building your website, the time is before you start pitching/marketing your services or products.
Once you start marketing yourself and your business, many people will Google you/your business before making a purchase.
Having a website means YOU get to control the narrative around how your business is marketed. You control the messaging.
Even as a freelancer, I believe a LinkedIn profile alone or other social media isn’t enough.
Many shoppers these days check the website as their first move.
Does the business look legit? If there is no site or social media, could this company be a scam?
Why should you start a website?
A nice website (you can get a free one on places like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace!) basically gives your business credibility and legitimacy.
It’s a place for you to introduce yourself as a human person and not just a business. It lets you add humanity and personalization to your company.
It’s also simply is a necessity. You need a website.
Whether you’re an author, a freelance graphic designer, run a small agency, or anything else, you need a website.
You can sell products (like your books!) and services (consulting services!), post…
