I put off building my websites for at least five years simply because I didn’t know where to start. Now that I have two, I thought it might be useful if I shared some of my thoughts to help you get your website started. There are several things you need to consider before you even talk to a web designer.
Why Do You Want A Website? A good website will not be all things to all people. Do you want it to build your credibility? Do you want it to provide information? Is there another reason that you want a website? Get clear about it and stay focused.
Who Is Your Target Audience? Be specific here because it matters. The look and feel as well as the content of my counseling website is geared to women with a particular focus on complex trauma. It’s not necessarily going to be attractive to servicemen or useful to parents of small children. It’s not very focused on addictions or compulsive sexual behaviors. Take the time to identify and speak directly to your targeted audience.
Why Will People Take Time To Visit Your Website? Are they looking for relief? Entertainment? Information? Know why they will take time to visit your website and then use that information to meet their needs.
How Will People Find Your Website? Will they be looking for someone like you or will they be looking specifically for you? Your networking will both affect how and be affected by how others find you / your site.
What Are The Measurable Goals For Your Website? After being up for one year? After five years?
Answering these five questions is critical to developing a good website. Once you are able to answer them, you are ready to begin the next phase of developing your website. Let me know when you’re ready and I’ll walk you through the next step!
This post could not have come at a better time! Thank you. I have a “generic” website up now, and I was just going to call a web designer today so he can spruce it up a bit. This post made me really think about what direction I want to go in before I call. Thank you
Hi, Carla! Thanks so much for joining our conversation and leaving a link to your website! I’m glad to be of help. Will be posting more on websites in the next few weeks. In the mean time, if I can answer any questions, feel free to drop back in!
Yes,
I am trying to figure out how much information I should include on the site. Im working with someone to develop it, but I am not sure where to start
Hmmm. I’m getting ready to run out the door to see clients but let me take a quick stab at this in case you are actually working on your website this morning . . . .The important thing to keep in mind (above all else) is what you want your website to accomplish. For example, if the goal is to peak a potential client’s interest and get them to pick the phone up and call you, then you want to give him / her just enough info to whet her appetite. On the other hand, if your goal is to be a repository for all things parent-child-related, then you want to pack that website full of the yummiest, most sought after info you can find and the more, the merrier!
That’s the short answer. I’ll be posting more on websites as quickly as I can. In the meantime, get and stay clear on that single-focused goal for your website. remember that you may want to get clients to call and be a repository of great / useful info but . . . if you try to be all things to all people on your website, you’ll dilute the impact significantly.
Let me know how the site is progressing as it develops and when it goes live so we all can take a peek!
Hi Tamara. I only have a minute right now, but I wanted to let you know I discovered your web sites a couple of days ago and I’m very impressed with both. I’m trying to decide if I want to put up a website for my parttime private counseling practice here in Las Cruces NM and your comments in your post are all very relevant to me. Thanks! I’ll be in touch soon. Robin
Thanks, Robin, for dropping in! And, thanks for the positive feedback! I’ve had some amazing graphic designers and webmasters along the way so let me know if I can send you in their directions!
As for your site-to-be, stay tuned for more info coming soon about making those websites sing (like the mythical Sirens). And, if you need some accountability coaching or 1:1 consultation, feel free to contact me! I’m happy to help!
Tamara,
I will be graduating this April and starting my own practice. I would like to have a web site put together soon thereafter. Hence, I am looking for someone who is affordable for a new practioner and can perhaps ask me the right questions to guide me in accomplishing my goals. I believe as I start my practice I want the whet the appetite so they will call me and build my client base. Perhaps, at a later time I can grow into other more specific are of focus.
I love your blog!
Brenda! I know this is so exciting for you as you take that next step! I would be happy to visit with you to see if we might be a good “fit” for working together on your actual content.
Or, if you prefer, I can refer you directly to Beth Hayden (who designed my websites) to help you with the actual web development. If you go this route and get stuck, just give me a call and I’ll be glad to set up an appointment with you to help you get unstuck!
Either way, wishing you joy on your journey and looking forward to you dropping back in right here! (And, don’t forget to let us know when your website goes live!)
Hi Tamara. I really enjpy your posts and look forward to reading them. I’m ready to take the next step on developing my website. I sent you a longer email a couple of days ago but I have not had a reply so I’m not sure you received the email. What is the best way to contact you? Thanks, Robin Pfaff
Hi, Robin! Thanks for the emails and the post here. My computer froze up and was in for repairs last week. Now I’m back on track and will respond this morning. You can contact me here on the blog, via email, or at 303-660-4989. I look forward to talking with you!