Choosing The Right Website Platform For Where You Are Right Now
When you’re in the planning stages of building a brand or expanding a brand, two things can be true at once. You are excited for the next step, but then can become overwhelmed quickly. Excitement spreads when you’re gathering all of your ideas and consulting friends and mentors on the right concept. But then comes time to execute afterwards. And usually that execution starts with building your website. This is the part where women can become overwhelmed.
According to a Clutch survey, “83% of small businesses now have a website, up from 64% in 2018.” And choosing the right platform is a decision that can be a lot. There are so many options to choose from. And so much you have to consider. As well as what features actually fit best for what you’re doing. The truth is, there isn’t one “best” website platform. There’s just the right one for where you are right now.
Personal Brands And Early Stage Businesses
If you’re a woman who just started a business or has a personal brand, the main focus is letting people know who you are. People need to know what they would be seeking from you. If you align with what they’re looking for. And where they can seek your services or products. That is what your website is designed for.
Typically most new brands and businesses are looking to save costs. And that usually results in a business owner creating their own website. Here are some things to consider for your website. When looking for a website platform, view plans that work for your budget. Most websites offer a monthly or annual payment option. And they also offer free trials, if you’re just experimenting and trying things out.
A few platforms that work well for women in this stage are:
It’s not necessarily the creative ideas that are causing the challenges, it’s the structure.
Scaling Businesses
A recent Adobe survey conducted that “53% of small business owners are planning to revamp their websites.”
After you’ve had your business for a while, it’s time to scale. And that also includes your website. That’s where structure and creativity merges. Your brand or business might be outgrowing the systems in place such as email marketing, website customization needs to change, or you’re gaining more website traffic than your platform can keep up with.
Women business owners go from beginner to intermediate when it comes to scaling their platforms. But the key is to find a platform that doesn’t make you have to switch platforms every year. That’s why most website platforms have incorporated CMS systems.
A few platforms that work well for women in this stage are:
You’re still able to balance the growth of your business with one platform as you continue to evolve.
Where Squarespace and Squarespace Blueprint AI Fit In
No matter what stage you’re in while building your website, there are some key things many women business owners want. They want guidance because “15% of small businesses feel they lack the technical skills to build or run a website themselves.” This is where the website platform Squarespace comes into play. Squarespace is the platform that meets you in the middle.
They offer a new Blueprint AI feature that helps women stop staring at a blank screen for hours. It gives you a five step, interactive session that simplifies website customization. It takes the stress away from women who might not be great with technology.
You can add in your ideas from when you were planning your website. Then it’ll take your ideas and create a framework you can start with. There’s no pressure for the final product to be done in one sitting. You’re able to make modifications where you see fit. And you don’t have to worry about the technical terms of grid layouts, margins, custom coding, HTML embedding and more.
Q2 has quietly snuck up on us. The pressure is kicking in for business owners. But don’t let where you host your website be one of the things that make you procrastinate any longer.
Ready to see what Squarespace Blueprint AI can do for you? Get started with a free trial, then use code HERAGENDA10 for 10% off a new Squarespace plan.
[Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by Squarespace. All editorial views expressed are the author’s own.]
