Website Ownership
Why Your New Business Shouldn’t Get Hung Up on the Perfect Website
When launching a new business, it’s tempting to obsess over creating the perfect website. You may find yourself comparing platforms, design elements, and features, believing that a flawless website is essential before you can even begin attracting customers. But here’s the truth: as a new business owner, your initial focus shouldn’t be perfection—it should be getting and serving customers.
Perfection is the Enemy of Progress
At the start, your business isn’t sustainable yet—you don’t have consistent customers or predictable revenue. Spending too much time, money, or energy trying to make your website perfect can divert you from the most important early goal: earning your first customers and turning them into loyal advocates.
If you have the personal funds to invest, hiring a professional can absolutely accelerate your online presence, but it’s important to realize this isn’t strictly necessary at the beginning. Your website and online presence should grow with your business.
Focus on the Fundamentals
Instead of getting stuck on perfection, concentrate on these core online essentials:
1. Accurate and Consistent Business Listings
Before customers reach your website, they often encounter your business through platforms like:
- Google Business Profile
- Bing Places
- Yelp
- Other local directories and social media platforms
Ensure your business name, address, phone number, and hours are accurate and consistent everywhere online. Tools like BrightLocal or Moz Local can streamline this process.
2. A Simple, Effective Website
You don’t need a complex website at the start. You simply need one that is:
- Mobile-friendly: Easy to use on any device.
- Fast-loading: Customers won’t wait for slow pages.
- Secure: Protects your business and customers.
- Conversion-optimized: Clearly guides visitors toward becoming customers.
- SEO-friendly: Helps customers find you online.
Platforms like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or Webflow are great starting points.
3. Get and Showcase Customer Reviews
Reviews are the next best thing to personal referrals. Start building a strong reputation by:
- Asking every customer personally, via phone, or email (automate if possible).
- Making the review process quick and easy (don’t offer incentives for reviews).
- Displaying these reviews prominently on your website and social media.
Remember: The Internet is a Bridge, Not a Billboard
Your online presence isn’t just about advertising your business—it’s about connecting people who have problems with solutions. Think of the internet as an extension of your customer service, not just a marketing tool. Serve your customers online just as you would in person, and your business will naturally grow.
When Should You Invest More?
As your business stabilizes and grows, you’ll naturally evolve your website and online presence. With revenue coming in, investing in professional website design and management, digital marketing, and advanced SEO tactics becomes justified—and recommended.
Initially, though, focus on serving your customers well, getting them to leave reviews, and making sure your business details are easy to find online. Your website doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to clearly communicate what you do, how you help, and how customers can reach you.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you have some money and would like some professional help getting your fundamentals in place quickly and working for you, I’m here to help you navigate the digital landscape and ensure your business starts off right. Reach out, and let’s start the conversation!
Gary Johnson
Call/Text: (720) 840-7819
Email: gary@garyjohnson.blog
Related Content
If you’re a new business owner, here are some additional articles that you may find helpful at this stage in your business ownership journey. As always, reach out if you need some assistance.
- Breaking Into Lives: The Real Work of Marketing for Small and Local Businesses
- Digital Marketing 101 for Local Business Owners
- The Realities of Building a Website: Managing Expectations and Understanding the Complexities
- How a Website Works: From Ideation to Execution
- New Business Owner’s Guide To Websites
- Does Your Small or Local Business Really Need a Website?
You might also find additional empowering content—though not specifically written for new business owners—in the Personal Development, Digital Marketing, and Website Ownership categories.