So many of our clients approach us with, “I need a website.” And yes, this is definitely a logical step—an online presence is pretty much non-negotiable for any business these days. A website can absolutely be a valuable tool for your business, but before we dive in, here’s the big question we always ask:
“Why?”
Why do you need a website? Or better yet, why do your clients, customers, or supporters need you to have a website?
Taking the time to answer this question upfront is crucial. A website isn’t just a box to check off; it’s a tool, and like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how well it’s designed to meet a purpose. So, let’s take a step back and think about this logically.
Start with the Basics:
What Problem Does Your Business Solve?
Let’s go back to marketing 101. At its core, your business exists because it solves a problem. Maybe you provide handmade, eco-friendly products for people looking to live sustainably. Maybe you’re a service provider making life easier, whether that’s through accounting, event planning, or fitness coaching. Whatever you offer, your business is filling a gap, solving a need, or making something better.
Now, take a moment to ask yourself: What specific problem does my business solve?
Write it down. Get clear on it. Think about your audience and what they’re looking for from you. Here are a few examples to help you brainstorm:
- For a fitness coach: You’re solving the problem of busy people not knowing how to prioritize their health or achieve fitness goals on their own.
- For a handmade product business: You’re providing unique, eco-friendly options for people who care about sustainability and individuality.
- For a financial consultant: You’re guiding individuals or businesses through complicated financial decisions and helping them achieve stability.
Once you’ve identified the problem, you’re already halfway to understanding why you need a website.
How a Website Helps Solve That Problem
This is where the function of your website comes into play. A good website isn’t just about looking pretty; it’s about actively helping your audience find solutions, take action, or connect with you.
Here’s how a website can work to solve the problems your audience has:
- Communicating Your Value Clearly: Use your website to tell your story, explain your offerings, and showcase what makes you unique. A well-written homepage or services page is often your first chance to connect with your audience.
- Driving Action: Pair your messaging with the right calls-to-action (CTAs). Do you want visitors to contact you, book an appointment, sign up for a newsletter, or shop your products? Make it clear and easy for them to do so.
- Adding Functionality: What tools can your website offer to support your business? Here are a few ideas:
- E-commerce functionality for selling products directly.
- Membership platforms to build a community or offer exclusive resources.
- Resource libraries to educate and inform your audience (like blog posts, guides, or FAQs).
- Online booking systems to simplify scheduling for both you and your clients.
When your website is aligned with your business goals and built to solve your audience’s problems, it becomes a valuable extension of your brand—not just an online placeholder.
Next Steps: Start Mapping It Out
Once you’ve answered the “why” behind your website, you can start mapping out what it should include. This is where planning your sitemap comes in. A sitemap is basically the blueprint for your website, outlining what pages you need and how they’ll be structured.
Here’s a quick starting point for a basic website:
- Homepage: Introduce who you are and the value you provide.
- About Page: Share your story and why your audience should trust you.
- Services or Products Page: Dive into the details of what you offer.
- Contact Page: Make it easy for visitors to get in touch.
- Extras: Think blogs, FAQs, resources, or anything else that will enhance your visitors’ experience.
Don’t Forget: Content & Visual
Here’s a common mistake I see: clients get so excited about the design of their website that they forget to think about what will actually go on it. Good content is just as important as a beautiful layout!
You’ll want to start drafting your:
- Headings and text copy (keep it simple, clear, and action-oriented).
- Images and visuals (use high-quality photos, whether they’re your own or stock).
- Call-to-actions (what do you want people to do on your site?).
Need Help? We’ve Got You
This outline is a great place to start, and it gives you a solid foundation for planning your website. But let’s be real—calling in the professionals can make all the difference. A well-designed website doesn’t just look great; it performs better for you, your business, and your audience.
At Frolic, we specialize in taking websites to the next level. From optimizing SEO and ensuring accessibility to meeting all current web standards, there are countless nuances that can make or break your site. This is where our marketing and design team thrives—we have the experience and expertise to deliver a polished, professional product that truly works for you.
We also offer full-service website packages where we take care of all the heavy lifting. All you need to do is set aside time for a comprehensive intake interview, provide feedback during critique sessions, and review the final product. From start to finish, we’ll handle the details—so you can focus on running your business.
Ready to make your website work harder for you? Let’s talk!