3 Big Misconceptions About Service-Provider Websites?
There's so much that goes into creating a strategic website that actually works for your business. So, it's not surprising that there are some myths floating out there about how websites can work for service-based businesses that are just flat-out wrong!
Sometimes these website myths and misconceptions come from well-intentioned marketing campaigns of coaches and consultants who’ve built their businesses on specific social media platforms or other niche marketing strategies. And while those techniques can work given the right business model and with enough persistence, it’s far from the easiest way to set your service-based business up for success.
Having a high-converting website in your marketing toolkit is one of the best things you can do to amplify your business!
Not only do you increase your visibility, findability and credibility but you also have a corner of the internet that’s your very own to show off the amazing value that your services provide.
So, let’s dive in and set the story straight about service-provider websites!
3 of the biggest misconceptions about service-based business websites & what you should do instead:
1. Service providers don't need a website
So obviously, I don't agree with this - I am a web designer after all! In all earnestness, you DON'T NEED anything really to be a service provider, you just need to be able to provide your service to people.
BUT you're making a whole lot more work for yourself by not having a place that you own (I'm looking at you Facebook and Instagram...) where you can show off your amazing offers in the best light possible.
By creating a website you are able to showcase your best work, share client testimonials, provide all of the important details about your services and encourage a potential client to book you right there on your website.
It also positions you as a trusted expert when a potential client can quickly search for your business, pull up your website and learn about your services.
And lastly, your website can also bring brand new clients to you! By strategically setting up your website to be search engine optimized (SEO) you can show up on the first page of your dream clients’ searches.
SEO can seem like a big task, and it can be if you’re in a highly competitive space, but for the vast majority of service providers you can simply set up your website with some on-page optimization, do some keyword research, submit your site to Google, set up your Google My Business account and do the occasional update on your website and you’re head and shoulders above your competition.
2. It's ok if my website looks amateur, I'm just a service provider!
This misconception is so easy to understand, it can seem like a big investment of time and energy to create a polished website for your business, especially if you're getting work through referrals and word of mouth.
But what kind of impression does your thrown-together website make on that potential referral client checking out your offers before getting in touch? Not a good one I'll bet!
Presenting yourself as a professional business owner online via a polished website not only builds trust with your potential clients, it also positions your work as something of value that's worth the investment you're asking (or should be asking) people to make.
Having a polished website that is easy to use also hints to potential clients what it will be like to work with you, and is a huge trust-building asset that can make all the difference between someone browsing for a solution to actually booking that sales call!
Looking for a high-quality website template designed specifically for service providers? Check out this blog post where I round up the 7 best templates on the market!
3. Service providers don’t need to build out their systems and automations
Building out your systems can seem like a drain on your precious time. But by investing a little extra energy in setting up a few key things like a contact form and / or appointment scheduler on your website you will not only save yourself time in the long run (goodbye back and forth emails with looky-loos!) but it also empowers your potential clients to take the first step in working with you.
Offering the option for interested people to take action when they are ready not only captures their attention when they're most engaged with your offers, but it also establishes that they are active participants in your work together which can only be a good thing for a healthy collaboration.
Other important systems like a Client Relationship Management system (CRM) can integrate with your website to dramatically streamline your onbloading process and automate your invoicing, contracts and projects. Talk about a time-saver!
Setting up your email list is also a great way to help future-proof your business since you'll have a group of people who are eager to hear what you have to say, and maybe work with you, on the other side of an email!
While you don’t need every tech tool and system, a few thoughtful systems set up on your website truly can save you a ton of time, save you from outsourcing admin work and set your business up for long-term success.
A simple but super effective place to get started with systemizing your business is with optimizing your client experience. Inside the Seamless Client Experience Bundle you’ll get beautiful Proposal & Welcome Guide Templates to make a great first impression, a snazzy Notion Client Hub to keep your projects on track and Client Communication Email Swipes so you’ll know exactly what to say at every step along the way. Talk about a great first impression!!
