Do you need a website?

A question I've been asked a lot recently is when you're running your own business, do you need a website? Mmm, interesting one this because I think the answer to this question is not always. If you think about it, there are quite a few industries out there that don't have websites and get away with it - builders, plumbers etc. My builder doesn't even have an email address (he says computers aren't for him) and yet it's never affected his business.

But, the interesting thing about websites is that there is a perception at the moment from the general public that if you don't have a website you're not a 'real' business. So, bearing this in mind, it seems that it is good to have at least a web presence out there.

How do you create a website though and where do you find a good designer? Well my advice on this one is that you shouldn't spend a lot of money on your first website. Why? I guarantee you that a few months after it's gone live you'll hate it. Lots of reasons for this - in a few months you'll find out what you really sell and you'll want to change it; you won't like the text; you'll have criticisms from friends and family and so on.

So, get your first website done as cheaply and as easily as you can. See if you can barter with a contact of yours or whether your mate can do it for you. Don't worry about getting it perfect - just get something up on the internet. Then, when you decide a few months down the line that you'd like to sort it out, now is the time to spend money on it.

In terms of choosing a website designer, I would go out and talk to no less than three. Pick the one that you feel comfortable with and understands your needs. They might not be the cheapest, but liking them is more important when you've already decided to spend the money. The other thing that I think it's well worth investing in is the services of a copywriter. A copywriter is someone who writes the words of websites, brochures, adverts etc and will bring your customers needs to the forefront - don't forget we tend to spend money on the design of the website and forget about what other people will read. Check out Google to find a copywriter near you.