When Is the Right Time to Build a Website for Your Small Business?
Building a website is an exciting step for any business, but it’s not always the first step you should take. Many small businesses rush into creating a website without first having the strategies in place to generate traffic and leads. Without those foundational elements, your shiny new site may sit there unnoticed—an expensive online placeholder.
Here’s the truth: Not every small business needs a website right away. A website is a powerful tool, but only if you have a plan to drive traffic to it. Let’s explore why timing matters and the steps you can take before investing in a website to ensure your business gets the most out of it.
Why Wait to Build a Website?
A website isn’t just a digital brochure. It should function as a lead-generation machine, but for that to happen, you need to send traffic to it. If you don’t yet have a strategy to attract visitors, it’s better to hold off on the expense of building a site until you’re ready.
Think of a website like a CRM (customer relationship management) tool—it can streamline leads and help you stay organized. However, if you don’t have workflows and strategies in place to capture, nurture, and convert leads, your website won’t deliver the ROI you’re hoping for.
Ways to Generate Business Leads Before You Build a Website
To ensure you’re ready for a website, start by building other lead-generation systems. These strategies will help you establish a solid foundation for when you do take the plunge into the digital space:
Claim Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Google Business is free and one of the easiest ways to make your business discoverable. Optimize your profile with accurate information, quality photos, and engaging posts. Many customers rely on Google to find local businesses, so having a polished presence here is crucial.Leverage Social Media
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can be powerful tools to connect with your audience and showcase your expertise. Consistent posting and engaging content can establish credibility and attract leads without the need for a website.Focus on Making the Sale
Directly engage with potential customers via email, phone calls, or in-person networking. Build relationships and close sales before investing in a digital storefront.Set Up Referral Systems
Encourage happy customers to refer their friends and family. Word of mouth is a strong driver of new business, and it doesn’t require an online presence.Use CRM Tools
Start organizing your leads and customer data with tools like HubSpot, Zoho, or even Google Sheets. This will prepare you for integrating a CRM with your future website.Email Marketing
Begin collecting email addresses from interested leads and past customers. Use newsletters to keep your audience engaged and informed about your offerings.
The Benefits of Waiting for the Right Time
By focusing on these strategies first, you’ll have a steady stream of traffic ready when you launch your website. This ensures that your site is not just a digital expense but a functional tool that works for your business.
With proper workflows in place, your website can:
- Collect and manage leads seamlessly in your CRM.
- Serve as a central hub for your business information and offerings.
- Strengthen your brand’s online presence and credibility.
Final Thoughts
A website is a vital piece of your business puzzle, but timing is everything. If you’re not ready to drive traffic to it or don’t have workflows to manage leads, it’s better to focus on foundational strategies first. When the time is right, your website will amplify your efforts and help your business grow.
Need help determining the right time to build your website or setting up workflows? Bizzy Lizzy Services specializes in creating tailored strategies to help small businesses thrive. Let’s chat about your goals and get you on the path to success!
