Blog 15: Reasons to have a personal website

 Hello, my Amazing Readers! 

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend. Today I want to focus on the nitty-gritty of selling yourself or your company/product: your website. Should you have one? What will it look like? How will that work? These are the questions I'll answer in the next few blogs because I feel it's important to go through these important steps with you. Know that you can reach out to me on social media or via my email address if you need more one-on-one coaching for personal branding. I'm always happy to help! 

Having a personal website is important for multiple reasons, which I will share below. It's also quite easy to do, and even free. Many website platforms, such as Weebly, Squarespace, and WordPress all offer free websites for individuals, depending on what domain name (website URL) you'll want. These websites are super easy to use and don't need any previous experience coding to make them look amazing. I personally use Weebly for my own personal website, but any platform will be similar. You don't have to have an elaborate website for yourself, but having something out there will make you stand apart and be successful. And if that doesn't convince you, below are my other reasons to have a personal website: 

1. A website can help you to stand out from your competitors

    Whether you're a sales and leadership coach like me or a college student just finishing your degree, a website helps to give you status to future employers or clients. It can also help you stand out from your competitors, as they may also have a website, yours might be easier to access or more aesthetically pleasing. I'd recommend looking at competitors' websites to see what they look like, then try to make yours look different or more appealing than theirs. For graduating college students, or people younger in their field, having a personal website allows you to brand yourself and shows your professional style, as well as a knowledge of technology and communication. No matter what line of work your in, a website helps you to stand out. 

2. A website gives your business or profiles an internet presence, besides social media 

    Even the social media and marketing experts will tell you that having a website will help give your business a grounded internet presence. People will know where to go to find your hours, discounts, sales, products, or even a personal bio. Linking your website to social media will help drive traffic to your website, and allow you to gain more interest and followers. Especially in this current era of COVID-19, internet business is becoming more prevalent. Don't be left behind! 

3. A website helps you gain customer trust and referrals 

    Besides being a place for people to visit to learn more about your business, a website also allows people a place to leave reviews and comments about your business, which can boost your status and the trust of your customers. Websites will also help people with referrals because they can use your website as a place to go for a new client. Having an internet presence allows for more community around your website, as interested people will continue to visit to see if there are any updates. 

4. A website gives you a chance for personal branding or refurbishing your old brand 

    Having a website allows you the chance to brand and sell yourself as a successful individual. No matter what field you work in, a website shows off your personal brand, giving you a coherent and professional look for any employer or client. Websites also allow businesses to rethink their brand, leading to possible updates in their logos, hours, or mission statement. 

Websites are ultimately a blank canvas to add whatever sort of character or personality you want. Having a website allows you to stand out in the internet market, look professional, and gives a place for people to get to learn more about yourself. While getting started on your own website may seem daunting, I promise it's not. I'll talk more about the logistics in my next blog, but for now, I hope you take these reasons to have a personal website into account for creating your own website. 

Until next time, 

Katie