Having a website enables you to show the world your business.  Here are some things to think about to help you prepare.

What are your goals for getting online?

Do you want to increase sales? Get more inquiries? Or maybe you want to provide your customers with extra information about your products and services. Your answers to these questions will help you design a website that makes sense for your business.

What is your business story?

Think about what your customers are interested in knowing about your business. Help them connect with you through your website.  Be open in describing what you are offering.  It will help potential customers develop trust for your online storefront.

Who are your customers? What do they want to know about your business?

Know who your customers are.  What kinds of information do your current customers ask about? Do they prefer to see photos of your products or the work you have done for other clients?  Outline your offerings in clear and simple terms. 

What are other businesses like yours doing online? And, what can you learn from them?

Understanding what other businesses like yours are doing online can help you determine what information to share on your own website.  It can also help you define what differentiates your business from theirs. Identify your unique selling points and highlight them on your website.

What online address best represents your business?

Your domain name (also referred to as your website address or url) is your unique address on the Internet.  It is how people will find and get to your website  online.  Choose your domain name carefully. Make your domain name as close as possible to your business name.  It will make it easy for customers to remember how to find you.