Running a small business is both the most challenging and the most rewarding thing I’ve experienced. When I was planning the launch of my branding and web-development business, I spent a lot of time thinking about the services I’d offer, the prices of those services, what my own business’ branding would look like, and all the freedom I hoped to find in working for myself. 

You know what I didn’t think about? The time it takes to run the business! There are many background tasks people don’t see like answering questions about packages, booking appointments, and managing client payments.

When you’re starting out, it can be easy to do all your business in the DMs messaging back and forth with potential customers. But, imagine, wave a magic wand and all your discovery calls were scheduled or all your clients could book your services immediately? 

Having a website helps streamline these processes, giving you time back to take on more clients, think creatively about your business, spend time with your family, or whatever else you’re dying to get time for.

Here are four ways building a website streamlines your business (and gives you back time in your calendar).

Automate Your Booking Process

Having a website allows you to automate your booking process, so you can stop wasting time going back and forth in DMs or emails about your availability.

 On my site for example, I use a plug-in, called Calendly. The plug-in allows me to block out which days/times I’m willing to take client calls. It also automatically creates and shares a Zoom link with the client. I’ve even built in pre-call questions like which package they’re interested in, how they found out about me, if they’re interested in add-ons, etc.

Integrate An Easy And Trustworthy Payment Process

No more tracking random payments across Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, and more. Payment processing can be built into your website’s backend for product based businesses. Added bonus, an integrated payment processing system helps clients feel more secure in paying you! 

Save Time By Not Re-Typing Answers To Common Questions 

As a business owner, you end up answering a lot of the same questions from clients and potential clients. For example, I’m often asked things like “What platform do you build websites on?”, “How many revisions am I allowed?”, “How long will my project take?”. Having a website allows me to list and answer in an FAQ section. When I get DMs about these common questions I can lead people to my website for the answers instead of re-typing the same answer repeatedly. 

Have One Go-To Place To Showcase Your Portfolio

If your business requires a portfolio and you haven’t built a website yet, chances are you’re using a pic-time, link-tree, or a similar service to direct clients to several locations housing your work. While that does technically work, you run the risk of losing people with each additional click they have to make. Plus, you have no control of the branding across the various places you’re leading them. Having a website means one easy place to house your portfolio. You control the branding. You keep the clicks. That’s a win times two!

Added Bonus – Opportunity To Increase SEO 

Having an SEO-optimized website also allows you to show up in Google search results. Launching a website doesn’t mean it’s automatically SEO-optimized but once it is, you unlock one of the most powerful tools to generate potential clients to your site. In other words, SEO-optimization equals more time saved on marketing and outreach! If you’re interested in SEO optimization, I offer a package that includes website design, copywriting, and help with SEO! Learn more about the package HERE.  

Book a discovery call below to take the first step toward building a website that streamlines your business.