this post was submitted on 31 Oct 2023
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I own a couple businesses, and one which is a niche construction business is taking off. As in it is growing so fast I may need to actually hire full time employees… which I also dread.

Yesterday, I received two phone calls and both asked if I had a website. To keep costs down, I have not had a website built, but I guess that needs to change. On the other businesses, the websites are built but no one looks at them from the monthly emails I get on who has been to my site. Now, people are looking for this business.

For those who understand, I’m in that growing stage where I need to spend money to grow, but I don’t want to risk the spending in case something may happen. Websites, needing to upgrade my business apps, ordering large amounts of supplies and employees.

I guess I’m just taken aback by how odd people have been due to a lack of websites when I have never had anyone really look before. Which now I’m up at the witching hour doing estimates, invoices, and now checking on at least a static website maker.

I have heard of GitHub, but does anyone recommend any other static website making types? Any help would be appreciated.

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[–] sofloLinuxuser@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Has others have mentioned having a Business website gives you a better online presence and setting up a Google business so that you have a footprint in Google where people can leave reviews also gives your business a more legitimate touch to it. Github pages can be used for hosting a website easily if you have the knowledge. If you want to build one yourself and don't want to have to pay a few hundred bucks you can use websites like squarespace which allow you to make a website using their drag and drop tools and plugins. It sounds like you may just need a fancy looking website for customers to get an idea of what kind of services you provide and your contact information if they need to call you so I would suggest hiring someone like myself to throw up a website for you on GitHub pages, possibly create a logo for you and a branding kit and update your social media apps so that there's some uniformity and consistency to them. I guess this may be a little self promotion but if you're looking for someone to do that for you I can help.

[–] CupPaDubBaJava@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Give your customers what they want and if that’s a web presence then so be it. As we are all well aware of, the moment we stop listening to them, we may still be a business, but not one that’s growing.

Congrats on the need for hiring. Unnerving and it does suck but man… You’re growing and that’s just damn cool.

You got this

[–] ParadoxicalGlutton@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

That's one of the first things they do when they hear about a business.

[–] Canxerian@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Social proof is what your customers are after. That can take many forms - a Google Maps listing, Trust Pilot reviews, TikTok likes, or even, a website.

All the best with your businesses! Sounds like you're doing a great job.

[–] PanDownTiltRight@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

A business website, branded email, and Google My Business profile should be the bare minimum to establish any sort of credibility.

If I was about to do business with a business using Gmail and no website, I'd have to wonder why...

Websites don't have to be expensive. Wix and Wordpress are popular. But it may be worth taking a class in SEO so you know how to make the most of your web presence.

[–] Edmloverboy@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

No one is visiting your other websites because you aren’t promoting them.

For real though, for a construction business, you just need something basic so people feel good about working with you. It sends the message that you are reputable and professional. It’s all about trust.

[–] ryantxr@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

My son needed a simple one page site for his liquidation business. I bought a domain for $12 and made a static one page site which I put on cloudflare pages for free. It is clean and uncluttered, and responsive. Your website does not need a fancy design.

[–] MaxRoofer@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

If you’re business is growing fast and you don’t want employees, why try to grow it faster?

Who cares if some people call in and and don’t use you because you don’t have a website?

[–] Pleasant_Spell_3682@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Yes. They're still popular. A lot of money is spent to get on top of search engines and advertising.

[–] PapaBash@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Website can be really cheap so don't worry too much about it. Growing is part of the fun and nothing will feel as great as seeing your workers highly motivated because you can pay them a great wage and create a nice environment for them to thrive in.

[–] eskideji@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Just DM'd you for some guidance

[–] ProfessionalStatus26@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Just pay someone on fiverr to get it all done for u, if ur making money its a no brainer investment..

[–] Nymcreates@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Yes, they do. Having a website is a clear indication that you are legit. However, just having a website isn't enough. You can utilize that website in all sorts of ways to incentivize a potential customer- and that is exactly what you should do. I can guarantee you that if you have a well thought out website, you will make the money back and much more in a short time.

Feel free to approach me if you want a website for yourself and additionally if you need SEO and content writing services.

[–] akshayjamwal@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

A basic website is fairly inexpensive and will do much more for your business than other marketing channels. A simple well-written one-pager / landing page will surely do the job to start with.

I’m always a little taken aback when business owners say that they don’t have a website. Your website is your online real estate. You control what’s on it, the layout, the design, the copy, the lack of ads, etc. Moreover, if you keep adding quality content, you can build your brand and your authority in your niche or sector. You’re also not subject to changes in social media algorithms messing about with your visibility.

[–] Emmyxiano@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

-website gives consumers the easiness when they come in contact with your business

-whatever information a consumer needs can be gotten with just a click when they visit your site, at least not everything requires sending emails

  • website tells consumers the need to buy and also convinces them to buy without you doing much work

If your business is moving fast imagine what having a website will add

As a web developer, having a website for your business brings tons of benefit and if you ever need guidance, you should PM.

[–] matt_workmode_net@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

I may not look at your website, but if you don't have a website it's a red flag. I expect to be able to find you online. I may visit your website without reading through it, just to scroll up and down to visually confirm that your business exists.

[–] QueenLunaDomina@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Check-out Carrd!!! Idk why they don't get the attention they deserve 🤣

They have a free plan or a pro plan for *** $19 ** per year & you can create up to like 25 different websites! And if you don't want to buy a domain, you can publish with a yourcompanyname.carrd.co

You can build one-page sites for pretty much anything - and it's especially perfect for businesses that just need a place for people to check your info, and submit a contact form or a quote request.

Plus contact forms, email captures, embedded links, payment & email marketing app integration... for the price and ho2 easily you can get a website up, 10/10 recommend.

I have 10 different sites setup on carrd 🤣 if you need help, let me know. https://try.carrd.co/k1yvrllk[carrd](https://try.carrd.co/k1yvrllk (that's an affiliate link, they're the only affiliate program I've ever signed up for lol)

[–] Get3DPrint@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

You need one. My company exclusively sold to governments and most of the sales were direct with a contact, so we figured no need for the website because we don't need to sell to the public. However, all sorts of companies and people will be looking up your company for a number of reasons and it's better that the information on the web and on your domain comes from your content.

[–] mr_house7@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Hey, I have a free website maker if you like to take a look. It is in the early stages, but it is the best freemium out there. Take a look.

[–] kerrymerry@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

I always start by looking for a website if I'm interested in a product or service.

[–] Hel_Bel_19@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I'm sure you won't regret it if you create a website. It is crucial for establishing credibility, attracting new clients, and showcasing your services. It offers a platform to effectively communicate your offerings, build trust, and improve discoverability. A website can be a game-changer for your expanding business. As for the web design tools, you can consider Squarespace and Wix for easy-to-use static website builders beyond GitHub. Otherwise, you can always find a professional web developer.

[–] SpambotSwattr@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

/u/Hel_Bel_19 is a click-farming spam bot. Please downvote its comment and click the report button, selecting Spam then Link farming.

With enough reports, the reddit algorithm will suspend this spammer.


!^(If this message seems out of context, it may be because Hel_Bel_19 is farming karma and may edit their comment soon with a link)!<

[–] SpambotSwatter@alien.top 1 points 2 years ago

Hey, another bot replied to you; /u/kerrymerry is a click-farming spam bot. Please downvote its comment and click the report button, selecting Spam then Link farming.

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