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Writer's pictureMichael Louderback

Marketing Your Local Business - First Step in Digital Marketing



Reaching Customers with a Website: Stay up to Date or Start from Scratch

 

Keep in mind, that any run of the mill website likely wont do. Having an outdated or confusing design can be just as bad as not having a website. Designing a website that compliments your unique business is key. 

 

There are many roads you can take with web design. 

  • You can choose to pay a freelance designer to develop a site for you

    • Your web designer may choose a platform that they are familiar with. It will likely be Wordpress as that is the most popular platform by far

  • You can choose a website company that specializes in your industry

  • You can do it yourself

 

I recommend doing research on which website option is the best choice for you.

 

Build a Website that Reaches your Customers

 

The key to success of any business is making sure you focus on your customers and appealing to them. All other marketing tactics will fall in line with that primary goal.


Building a website from scratch can be a daunting task for many small business owners. Not only does it require time and experience, but also a deep understanding of design principles and user experience. By investing in a freelancer or marketing agency, you can ensure that your website is not only visually appealing but also tailored to your specific target audience. These professionals can help create a design that reaches your customers, conveys your brand message effectively, and ultimately drives conversions. Additionally, they can provide valuable insights and expertise on best practices for website development, ensuring that your online presence is optimized for success. Collaborating with experts in web design in your industry can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business while they take care of creating a compelling and user-friendly website that sets you apart from the competition.


Choosing a Platform


When it comes to the functionality of business websites, the choice of website platform plays a crucial role. While some business websites can easily operate on a wide range of website platforms, others with more specific needs may need specialized plugins or even custom development.


The selection of a website platform is influenced by various factors such as the nature of the business, its target audience, the desired features and functionalities, as well as the scalability and flexibility required. For instance, content-based websites may find platforms like WordPress or WIX suitable due to their user-friendly interface and extensive plugin library, which can cater to various needs without the need for custom development.


On the other hand, e-commerce websites that involve complex transactions and inventory management might require platforms like Shopify or Magento, which are specifically designed to handle such functionalities out of the box. In cases where off-the-shelf solutions do not suffice, businesses may opt for custom development to create a tailored website that aligns perfectly with their unique requirements.


Custom development allows businesses to have full control over the design, features, and performance of their website. It enables them to create a seamless user experience, integrate third-party services, and implement advanced functionalities that are not readily available on standard website platforms. However, it also comes with a higher cost and longer development time compared to using existing plugins or platforms. Custom designed websites also may require ongoing development and IT support to maintain functionality and security.


Conclusion: Do Your Research and Continue to Innovate


In conclusion, you will want to find the right platform for your needs. Whether that be Wordpress for a basic site, Wix for something easier to maintain longterm or Shopify for ecommerce support, choosing a platform is the first step.


Whether you opt for a skilled freelancer or a reputable marketing agency, they can assist you in selecting a platform that suits your business needs. You may come across firms that have expertise in your specific industry, such as real estate, restaurants, or medical websites. No matter the nature of your local business, it is essential to explore various marketing strategies like PPC, SEO, and particularly social media to engage with your target audience effectively.


 


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