Ever since I began designing websites- there has been one question I have been asked over and over again.
“How do you pick a website platform?
Most people get stuck at this stage( right at the start) because with so many options, it’s almost paralyzing and feels like a way bigger decision that it needs to be and so you put it off and continue to ‘make do’ with whatever you are needing to do.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, sometimes we research for days on end but still can’t seem to make a decision.
Some of the most popular ones are Squarespace ( my favourite!) , WordPress, Showit, Shopify. Theres also Weebly Wix and a ton of other options and they each come with their own pros and cons – for someone that just wants to have a website up and running so that you can have it be effective and do what you actually LOVE to do ( serving your clients!)
So, How DO you pick a website platform?
My 3 tips for picking a platform that really lines up with what you are needing :
1. MAKE A LIST OF YOU NON- NEGOTIABLE FEATURES /FUNCTIONALITY YOU NEED TO HAVE
Write.it.down.
Use this list at every step of the way. I know it seems super simple but most people start looking at all the different features each platform offers FIRST and this is where the overwhelm and indecision comes in because you end up losing sight of what you actually need. Once you have your non-negotiable list, you can quickly compare each platform to the features you NEED- and if a platform doesn’t offer it- it gets scratched off the list!
Simple!
2. DECIDE IF YOU WANT TO MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR WEBSITE OR YOU’D RATHER HAND IT OFF TO A DESIGNER EACH TIME
Either option is cool- no judgement here baby!
If you want to be able to make changes on your own relatively easily, then this is the #1 thing to keep in mind. Put this at the TOP OF YOUR LIST from the previous point. If you don’t want to have to hire it out each time- make sure you pick a platform that is “drag and drop” style and easy and intuitive to navigate.
This is the #1 thing that I see frustrating people when it comes to their websites and as a result their websites are always not up to date because they are dreading making any changes!
3. FIND A WEBSITE PLATFORM THAT TIES IN WELL WITH ANY OTHER SYSTEMS/PROGRAMS YOU ALREADY USE FOR YOUR BIZ
If you’ve already got a business that is a little bit established and already use a Client Management Software/email marketing provider etc. – Find a platform that ties in well with that. If you already have other systems in place with your business and have built some momentum there! You definitely want your website to fit in with those things and work seamlessly instead of having to complicate it or add a ton of additional steps to a system you already!
That’s it friend! Just take the leap- Yes there is a lot of effort that goes into building it- and I always recommend saving up and hiring a professional if you can so that they can truly build you a website that sells your service as well as really connects with your audience and who you are as a business!
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