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.

  • discombobulatededed@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    Speaking as a consumer, if I’m looking to use a new company or business, the first thing I’ll do is Google them. If they have no online presence, I feel a bit uneasy about using them. I’d sign up to Google business, so you can add your phone number and information on google, it also allows people to leave reviews which is handy for credibility. I’d also sign up to Trustpilot for reviews too. With regards to a website, it doesn’t have to be really fancy. I had started building one previously on Canva which seemed quite straight forward and cost effective, but it might be easier to just pay someone to do it for a more professional finish.

    • John_in_Tacoma@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      11 months ago

      This is the correct answer. Building a presence via Google My Business allows others to see you and read reviews of what others like/dislike about your business…

      • oldstalenegative@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        11 months ago

        Chances are you don’t need a dedicated website yet.

        Taking ownership of your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business listing) is a great first step. Adding pictures and incentivizing your customers to leave reviews will really help.
        Setting up a presence on Yelp would be a good step 2.

        Google also offers a free website builder.

        I’d build out your initial web presence there. Once that is up and running, you shuold cross-link your Yelp profile back to your Google Business Profile.

        Getting started on a website via Google Buniness:

        https://support.google.com/business/answer/7032839?hl=en