Marketing your services on social media and by word of mouth is only the beginning. Where will all of the new prospects go once they decide they want to work with you? That’s where a website comes in. Despite being on the forefront of a new emerging internet (Web3) some are still behind the curve by not having a website at all on the current iteration (Web2). According to Zippia and PC Mag, 29% of all Small Businesses did not have a website in 2021. With 31.7 million small businesses in the US (99firms), 29% adds up to 109,310,344 that do not have a website. This beckons the question, why don’t these businesses get online?

To get this answer, a few likely suspects come to mind. Squarespace, WordPress and countless other ‘do it yourself’ website design platforms setup users with an account and access to tools without knowing how to use or master these tools. Out of those users, over 90% on both mentioned platforms never publish a website through the tool set provided. Naturally, they receive a level of support for a premium but most of these business models rely on converting the user on the basis of the technology platform itself and therefore are not able to convert again when the user gets stuck in the process of trying to actually use the product.

Enter: Gentle Media. Initially, we focused on giving customers the website they requested. Then, we realized not everyone needs a full-scale website to start. Some folks need a redesign or simply an email list. Others still need someone who can function as a team member, looking on and ready to jump in when needed. Some businesses simply need to get their brand online for the first time. This could be as simple as a landing page that allows for users to connect with the business and convert to become an avid reader of the email list or convert to purchase straight away.

Website Design is centered around the experience and functionality of what is laid out before the user to use. Website Management is a professional service that monitors and reports on existing website traffic and results. While not all businesses may need Website Design around the clock they do need website management. The daily, weekly, or monthly measurements of a business owner’s website is arguably one of the most important measurements any startup could value.

For solo-preneurs and entrepreneurs seeking to establish a consistent progression for their brand, maintaining and monitoring a website for the business is a crucial step. While it does not require hiring a traditional web-design agency for every little change, it may involve seeking the expertise the business currently lacks to get up and running. By bringing in a partner like Gentle Media, businesses are able to focus on the operational elements of the business while we make sure the front door (the homepage of the website) is working normally and welcoming users who visit.

Long story short, if the business has a strong handle on its digital operations, it may not need a web designer. But, if it is establishing itself for the first time online, there may be significant benefit to hiring a professional web expert (like a web designer) to help get the right pieces in place. Then, after the project completes, you can man the helm online or continue the relationship to learn how we can help on the day to day.

No matter what you choose, remember you’re not alone and the help you need is out there!

Sincerely,
Philip Gentle