I Launched
I did. I just re-launched a new site this past week.
There was no fanfare or hoopla. Just a bunch of hard work and coffee. It was definitely the most intensive overhaul I have done yet since I first published this website back in 2009ish. And one that I’ve been proud to put my name to.
There is a blog post coming after this one where I can provide a bit more detail and behind-the-scenes insight. From the new logo, to the colors, and new direction.
But enough about me. Let’s talk about you.
You Launched.
For this post, I want to speak directly to you – Mr./Mz. Small Business Owner – who has just launched your new venture.
First of all, Let me say, “Congratulations!”
What you have done is no small feat. You are one of the few who is actually in the arena, one who knows about the blood, sweat, tears, courage, guts, and sacrifice that it took just to get your dreams off the ground and out into the wild, blue reality. And there’s more of that up ahead, so hang in there, persevere, and enjoy the ride.
I have just one question. Why don’t you have a website?
I don’t get it? The odds are already stacked against your survival right out of the starting blocks, with fierce competition nipping at your heels. The technology to market your company in this digital age of commerce is literally at your fingertips with smartphones, the mobile web, and apps.
Your competitors have a website.
The mobile web, by the way, is where your customers are hanging out. Your competitors know this, too. And they probably have a website that is optimized for mobile, maybe even an app, making it easier to find your customers and talk with them.
And yet you choose to remain in the dark. Why?
You have a bunch of excuses.
Oh, I’ve personally heard many of the reasons. Excuses, really. But let’s be honest for a moment, none of them are unique and most are very weak arguments.
Just to be clear, renting space on someone else’s website doesn’t count either. It is still someone else’s site, and they are reaping the benefits from your being there. It may even be the entire reason for their success. I’m not saying that being a part of someone else’s online community is bad, just don’t make it your home. Get your own house.
You are not alone.
I know that you are not alone here. There is a whole tribe of you out there, homeless and squatting on other people’s web properties.
I just finished reading the survey results that GoDaddy and Clutch.co recently published and was somewhat stunned to realize just how many small businesses – very small businesses – in the US still do not have a website.
I see no good reasons or excuses for that.
Ready to Launch – again?
You have to do this. Seriously.
You need to move into your own digital domain.
Let’s do this.
I want to help.
It’s not very hard, doesn’t have to be expensive, and there is a ton of help out there. After launching my own redesigned and rebranded site on Wednesday, I spent all day on Thursday with a couple thousand other Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs, talking and hearing about big ideas, problems, and solutions. Sharing my experiences, expertise, and information. Handing out business cards.
Want to guess the same two questions that were repeated with each person I interacted with? That’s right…
- Do you have a business card?
- Do you have a website?
So once more I ask…